My husband and I have been debating where the safest spot in our car is for our child. Is it the middle, left or right side? We own a minivan I'm not sure if that makes a difference or not though.
2007-02-09 10:16:26 · 12 answers · asked by Sharra 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
The standard answer is that the child seat is safest in the center position of the rear seat as it is farthest away from any point of impact. That said, some seats just won't FIT in the center, in which case, the car seat is safest where it fits and can be installed correctly. Another item of note is that in most cars, the LATCH anchors are only located in the outboard positions, so if you want to install your seat with the LATCH hooks rather than the seatbelt, you must install it on one side or the other. Before installing your seat, make sure to consult your vehicle's owner's manual to see how your seatbelts work with a child seat. Most now require you to pull the belt all the way out, thread it through the seat, buckle it and then tighten. This is what sets the locking mechanism. Without this step, the seat is not locked down and will move during an impact. One of the best favors you can do for yourself is to take the seat and the car to your local fire department. Most have someone on staff that is certified in child seat safety. They can install your seat and also show YOU how to install it correctly. They will also show you the proper way to buckle your child into the seat so that the chest buckle is at the right height and the straps are properly tightened. Good luck!
2007-02-09 10:29:30 · answer #1 · answered by Suzan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The absolute safest spot in the car would be the middle of the back seat (to avoid side-impact crushing) or middle seat in a minivan (isolated from front/side/rear impacts. It has to be installed tightly and exactly according to seat/vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
2007-02-09 10:23:45 · answer #2 · answered by doomsdaybiker 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The safest spot in the car would be the middle of the back seat
2007-02-09 11:53:32 · answer #3 · answered by Pramod 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the back seat behind the passenger's seat. Why? Two reasons: 1) so you can have visual access to your child from the front seat; and 2) so you will be able to safely take your child out of the vehicle on the curbside where there is no dangerous traffic in your path. So many people forget that the curb side is the safe side.
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2007-02-09 12:51:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The middle. Whether it is rear or front facing, the seat is always safest in the middle. The odds of front, back or side injuries are reduced significantly. Not sure still? Stop into a local firehall. They usually conduct car seat safety sessions.
2007-02-09 10:21:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most would say the direct center of the vehicle. If for some reason it can't or won't go there, place it as close to the center of the vehicle as possible. But don't take our word for it, stop by a local fire department. Any one of them will show you the best placement for YOUR vehicle, and often will even help you install it, and check to make sure it is secured correctly. This is highly recommended, as many newer vehicles now have side impact airbags, and the center of the vehicle just may not be the best placement for the car seat.
Remember, firefighters have seen every vehicle out there, smashed beyond recognition, therefore they would know of any "weak" spots of your vehicle model.
2007-02-09 12:15:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the middle of the lower back seat is often maximum secure. era. once you're automobile would not have a center seat or if it won't in wonderful condition for some reason, then i'd advise putting it in the back of the passenger seat in case you force on my own extremely some the time. That way, you may pull over and attain the toddler right this moment. in case you frequently journey shotgun, then placed the seat in the back of the motive force for the comparable reason.
2016-09-28 21:39:01 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the safest place for a carseat in a car is the middle seat so if your in an accident, the child wont get hit
2007-02-09 10:25:59 · answer #8 · answered by cvmay85 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The middle is the safest place. It gives equal space all around in case of collision.
2007-02-09 10:22:52 · answer #9 · answered by Polamalu is God 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if your middle seat is a bench then it will be on seat in the center most part of the van. if you have captains chairs for the middle row of seats then either seat will do. i don't recommend putting the child in the very back row of seats in case you need to get them out quickly.
2007-02-09 13:08:52 · answer #10 · answered by g g 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋