mapsgirl.ca

mapping our life's journey

You are here: Home / Archives for back seat

back seat to front seat to drivers seat

by

It’s hard to imagine that little baby eventually driving your car, but it will happen.  And most parents I know who have teenagers love to remind me of how quickly time passes.

A question I get frequently from parents of older children is:

“When Can they sit in the front seat?”

VISOR_DECALIt is recommended that children aged 12 and under remain in the back seat.  There is absolutely no rush for your child to be in the front seat.  
 
Children should not ride in the front seat until their skeletal structure is strong enough to withstand the 300 km/hr impact of the air bag.  This doesn’t happen until after they are 13 years of age.  
 
Most vehicle manufacturers put a warning about air bags on the front visor.  The front airbags are controlled by a computer and if that computer isn’t programmed properly, the airbag won’t work the way you think it should. Recently a car manufacturer recalled one of their vehicles because the air bag sensor system was faulty. 
 
Don’t take a chance. Keep your child in the back seat.
 

“Can I borrow the car?”

Before you child is asking this question, you want to make sure they they have been given the proper driver training.

Inspired by a twitter conversation, YD’s wrote this article to help prepare parents become a passenger: Is your child ready to drive and are you ready for the passenger seat?

Young Drivers of Canada has prepared a very thorough check list for choosing the right driver training for your child

Please note: I am a certified Child Restraint Technician in Ontario, Canada. Please check your local laws about car seats and always read your vehicle owner’s manual and car seat manual before installing your child seats.This data will be updated as required.