I can still picture that summer back when I was about 12 years old, taking turns with my friend Lily as we drove her dad’s old, rusty VW Bug around her vast backyard, which was more like a cow pasture. We’d shift into first and second gear, tearing up clumps of grass while delighting in our attempts to do donuts without crashing into the ancient apple tree by the barn.
That was back in the 1980s when parents didn’t seem as concerned about their kids taking little joyrides. Nowadays, we have video games like Grand Theft Auto for those adventurous spirits, right?
My 7-year-old son, Oliver, is currently obsessed with fast cars. He may not know the difference between a Dodge and a Bugatti, but he certainly understands the allure of speed and the front seat, which he views as the ultimate throne of power with all the buttons and controls. So, every time we go somewhere, it’s the same routine: he begs to sit in the front.
“But Mom! Look how tall I am now!”
“No,” I reply. “You’re still not old enough for the front seat.”
“But Mom! I swear I won’t touch anything!”
“No,” I say with unwavering resolve.
Like many kids, Oliver wants to grow up quickly and experience all the “cool” things that are reserved for older or taller children, such as those rides at the carnival that require a minimum height or avoiding the “baby booster seat,” as he puts it.
While I’d love to indulge his desire for independence and let him feel responsible, the reality is that there are crucial safety laws designed to protect children from harm. Regrettably for my aspiring race car driver, riding in the front seat before he reaches the appropriate age is one of those regulations, supported by facts.
According to the CDC, all children under 12 should remain in the backseat. Statistically, the backseat is the safest location for all passengers. Additionally, airbags are designed for adults, and their deployment can pose a serious risk to a child, even if they are wearing a seatbelt properly. It’s simply not worth the risk.
This is disappointing news for Oliver, who dreams of sitting in the front seat. He will just have to wait a bit longer because both his mother and the law say so. You can check your state’s car safety regulations here. Ultimately, keeping kids safely secured in a properly installed car seat or booster in the backseat is paramount.
For more information on transportation safety, including how to install car seats or boosters correctly, look for a certified child passenger safety technician in your area. Trusted resources like The Car Seat Lady provide excellent information as well. Also, if you’re interested in fertility treatments, March of Dimes is a fantastic resource.
In summary, while it’s natural for kids to desire independence and access to the front seat, safety must always come first. For now, the backseat remains the safest and best choice for young passengers.