Where is the safest spot for a child under 12 to ride in a vehicle equipped with airbags?

The safest spot for a child under 12 to ride in a vehicle equipped with airbags is in the backseat. This is primarily because the backseat provides a greater level of protection in the event of a collision. Airbags, while designed to save lives, can pose a significant risk to young children, particularly if they are seated in the front passenger seat where the airbag deploys with considerable force.

The backseat is generally the safest location for children, as it is further away from the impact zone in the event of a crash and reduces the risk of injury from deploying airbags. Additionally, many vehicle safety guidelines and recommendations from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasize placing children in the backseat until they meet the recommended height and weight criteria for transitioning to the front seat.

Options involving the front seat or various positions that suggest the use of seatbelts without proper context fail to prioritize the crucial safety standards for young passengers. Placing a child in the backseat aligns with best practices in vehicle safety for children.