STUDY: Despite dangers,infants placed in front seats

JOURNAL: National Highway Transportation Safety Administration

AUTHORS: Dr. Jeffrey Runge

ABSTRACT: Seat belt use for children is at a record high, but too many infants and young children still are being placed at risk by riding in front seats.

COMMENTARY: A survey by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration found 15 percent of infants were riding in the front seat, where they are at increased risk of injury from crashes or deploying air bags even if they are in infant seats.

The survey found 10 percent of 1- to 3-year-olds and 29 percent of 4- to 7-year-olds also were riding in the front seat. NHTSA and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children 12 and under ride in the back seat.

“There are new parents every day, and even those old parents who need to be reminded: The only way to keep these children safe is to put them in a child safety seat appropriate to their age in the back seat,” said Dr. Jeffrey Runge, NHTSA’s chief.