Why shouldn't children sit in the front seat of a car?

Even if you drive slowly, if a child is in the front seat, even if he or she is wearing a seat belt or is in a child seat, it is still dangerous because if a collision occurs, the speed and force when the airbag deploys can injure the child.

Another passive situation is that you are driving slowly but can be hit from behind by another car.

You can watch the test clip below to better understand the force of airbag deployment in the event of a collision.

So where and how is the safest place for children to sit in a car?

Many crash tests have shown that infants and toddlers are best protected in rear-facing, dedicated seats in the back seat, even in rear-end crashes. They should remain in this position as long as possible, or at least until they are 2 years old or their height and weight become too large to sit rear-facing.

When children are old enough, they can be placed in a dedicated, forward-facing seat, but must still be in the back seat.

For children aged 5-6 years old or of sufficient height and weight (depending on the regulations of each country - usually 20kg), a simple booster seat can be used, without the need for a backrest to hug the child's upper body (picture below).

It is important to choose a car seat that is appropriate for your child's age, height and weight. A car seat that fits properly will help ensure maximum safety.

Generally, children need to use a booster seat until they reach a minimum height of 145 cm, and from 8 to 12 years old. That is when the car seat belt can be used. At the same time, the child's skeleton has also fully developed, is stronger and can withstand the pressure from the seat belt when the car brakes suddenly or there is a collision.

The prestigious consumer magazine Consumer Reports says the safest place for children under 12 years old is in the back seat.