When young children are permitted to ride in the front seat, the results can be disastrous—and deadly. A new study reveals many children over age 6 are actually sitting in the front seat. Child safety guidelines suggest children under age 13 should always ride in the back seat where they are safer, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

 

Overall, the study discovered a disturbing trend—as children get older, age-appropriate safety seat guidelines are less likely to be followed, and children are more likely to be completely unrestrained in a vehicle. Guidelines violations include not using a rear-facing seat, not using a booster seat, and prematurely transitioning to seat belts.

 

The study is based on information on nearly 21,500 children from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration National Survey on the Use of Booster Seats, as well as independent observations and interviews.

 

Child auto safety is paramount—car crashes are the #1 cause of death for children ages 1-12. To learn more about child seat safety, visit the Virginia Farm Bureau Safety Center, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s site.