The safest place for children under 12 in a vehicle equipped with airbags is?

The safest place for children under 12 in a vehicle equipped with airbags is the backseat. This recommendation is based on numerous safety studies and guidelines established by transportation safety organizations. Children are generally more vulnerable to injury from airbags, which deploy with significant force, making the front passenger seat a hazardous location.

In the backseat, especially when positioned in the middle, children are further away from the possibility of impact in the event of a collision. This positioning also allows for the use of appropriate child safety seats, which are critical for protecting younger passengers. The backseat is specifically designed to provide additional safety for occupants, reducing the risk of injury during an accident. This is why experts recommend that children ride in the backseat until they reach the appropriate size and age to be secure in the front seat, typically recommended around the age of 13.