I still vividly recall that summer when I was about 12 years old, joyriding in my friend Emma’s dad’s old, rusty VW Bug. We took turns steering through her expansive backyard, which was basically a giant field filled with cows. We would shift from first to second gear, tearing up clumps of earth while giggling as we attempted to do donuts without crashing into the ancient apple tree by the barn.
Back in the 1980s, it seemed parents were less concerned about letting kids have a bit of fun on the road. I mean, we have video games like Grand Theft Auto for that these days, right?
Now, my 7-year-old son is absolutely fascinated with fast cars. Although he can’t distinguish between a Dodge and a Bugatti, he definitely understands speed. He also sees the front seat as the ultimate throne, filled with buttons, controls, and a clear view out the window. As a result, every time we go out, he launches into his campaign to sit up front.
“But Mom! Look how tall I am now!”
“No,” I reply. “You’re not old enough for the front seat.”
“But Mom! I swear I won’t touch anything!”
“No,” I respond — and that’s a definitive no.
Like many kids, my children are eager to grow up quickly and experience all the things they associate with being older, taller, and smarter. They want to bypass the restrictions, much like those carnival rides that require a minimum height or the dreaded “baby booster seat,” as my son calls it.
While I want to encourage his sense of responsibility and independence, I must adhere to safety laws designed to protect kids from harm. Unfortunately for my aspiring race car driver, riding in the front seat before he reaches the appropriate age is one of those rules, supported by solid data.
According to the CDC, all children under the age of 12 should remain in the backseat, which is universally recognized as the safest area for all passengers. Plus, airbags are built for adult protection; their deployment can be fatal to children, even when they’re buckled in correctly. It’s simply not worth the risk.
So, my little speed demon will have to remain a backseat driver for a while longer, as both mom and the law say so.
Note: Child car safety laws differ by state, and you can find your specific regulations here. However, the bottom line is that kids are safest in the backseat, secured in a properly installed car seat or booster. For more insights on transportation safety, including how to properly install car seats and boosters, you can find a certified child passenger safety technician in your vicinity and refer to trusted resources like The Car Seat Lady.
In conclusion, while it can be tough to deny our children the thrill of sitting in the front seat, ensuring their safety is paramount. As they grow older, there will be plenty of time for them to experience the joys of the front seat—just not yet.