AA settles debate on where is safest place to put child seats in cars

As a parent, there are countless responsibilities to juggle, and one of the most importantis ensuring your child travels safely in a vehicle. After all, heading out and exploring the world with your little one is a perfectly natural part of family life.

When it comes to safety, however, there are specific rules that must be followed regarding car travel, and this is one parenting tip you simply cannot afford to overlook.

The AA (Automobile Association) has urged all drivers to take heed, as it could make a significant difference to your child's wellbeing on the road.

This isn't the only crucial piece of guidance on the subject, either. Parents have previously been advised to adhere to another important car rule as well.

The topic has cropped up on Reddit before, sparking considerable debate amongst users. Unsurprisingly, it's a subject many parents are keen to get advice on.

One social media user posed the question: "Which side is safer for an infant car seat? I know the middle is best, but it doesn't fit there in our car.

"We've had him on the driver's side, but I just thought about the possibility that there might be a difference. Is one side safer than the other?"

In response, one user commented: "Every Child Passenger Safety Technician I've known has said that the safest spot for a car seat is where you get the best, correct, install."

Another person added: "Not necessarily safer but, if you park on the side of the road, the passenger side will be the side closest to the sidewalk so you're not in the roadway while fiddling with seat belts."

A third responded: "We've always kept the car seat on the driver's side because, if you're alone in the car with the baby, then you don't have to walk around the car to the other side to get the baby out."

Meanwhile, a fourth also remarked: "Read your car manual to see if there is a preference.

Then see where you can get a proper install.

"My car manual says to actually avoid the middle, unless it's the only option. My seat doesn't fit behind the driver's side when my husband has to drive so passenger side it is!"

However, despite numerous suggestions being offered, the AA provides expert guidance on this matter. It's definitely worth noting for future reference.

What does the AA say?

On its website, the AA provides extremely important advice.

The guidance explains: "The most common crash involves an impact to the front of your car which means that the back seat is usually a safer place to travel. So, children are best carried in the rear.

"The centre-rear seat is the safest place of all for a properly restrained child, because they're furthest away from any impact and less likely to hit or be hit by deforming, intruding structures."

The organisation also offered additional recommendations.

If it's just you and one child in the vehicle, you might prefer your child to sit in the front passenger seat with you, provided they're correctly restrained.

This enhanced proximity can prove more comforting for your child and less distracting for you whilst driving. In certain situations, this arrangement can help minimise the risk of a collision.

The guidance notes: "If your child's still in a rear-facing seat, you'll have to use it in the rear if the front passenger seat is protected by an airbag that can't be switched off.

"An active airbag will cause severe injury or death to a child lying with its head so close if it fires in an accident. For a forward-facing restraint on the front passenger seat, check your car handbook for advice first.

"If there's no specific advice, then in general we'd recommend moving the car passenger seat well back on its runners to increase the distance between your child and the airbag."