The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that all children
ages 12 and under be properly
restrained in the back seat.
If the passenger’s front airbag is on,
and it inflates in a moderate to
severe frontal collision, the airbag
can cause serious injuries to a child
who is unrestrained, improperly
restrained, sitting too close to the
airbag, or out of position.
The side airbag also poses risks. If
any part of a larger child’s body is in
the path of a deploying side airbag,
the child could receive possibly
serious injuries.
Of course, children vary widely. And
while age may be one indicator of
when a child can safely ride in the
front. There are other important
factors you should consider.
To safely ride in front, a child must
be able to follow the rules, including
sitting properly, and wearing the seat
belt properly throughout a ride.
Physically, a child must be large
enough for the lap/shoulder belt to
properly fit (see page ). If the seat
belt does not fit properly, with or
without the child sitting on a booster,
the child should not sit in the front.
Booster seats can be high-back or
low-back. Whichever style you select,
make sure the booster meets federal
safety standards (see page ) and
that you follow the booster seat
maker’s instructions.
If a child who uses a booster must
ride in front, move the vehicle seat
as far to the rear as possible, and be
sure the child is wearing the seat
belt properly.
A child may continue using a booster
seat until the tops of their ears are
even with the top of the vehicle’s or
booster’s seat-back. A child of this
height should be tall enough to use
the lap/shoulder belt without a
booster.
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25
Protecting Larger Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
When Can a Larger Child Sit in Front Maturity
Physical Size
40
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