What is the safest location for a car seat in a car?

The center of the back seat is regarded as the safest location for a car seat due to several key safety features. This position is the furthest from any potential impact zones during a collision, providing increased protection for the child. In many vehicles, the center seat is also typically equipped with a three-point seat belt or can accommodate a properly installed LATCH system, which contributes to secure installation. Additionally, the center position minimizes the risk of injury from side impacts, which are statistically more common than frontal collisions.

Other locations in the vehicle, such as the front passenger seat or the side seats in the back, do not offer the same level of safety, especially considering the potential for airbag deployment in the front seat. Placing a car seat behind the driver or in a side seat also does not offer the same protection against lateral impacts as the center position does. The center back seat is consistently recommended by safety organizations and child passenger safety guidelines, reinforcing its status as the optimal choice for protecting children in vehicles.