Why are children aged 12 and under safer in the backseat of a vehicle?

Children aged 12 and under are safer in the backseat of a vehicle primarily because airbags can pose risks in the front seat. Front airbags are designed to protect adults in the event of a collision, but they can be dangerous for smaller passengers. When an airbag deploys, it inflates rapidly and can exert significant force, which might injure a child if they are seated in the front seat. Young children are more vulnerable to injury from the force of the airbags, which is why it's recommended that they travel in the backseat where they are better protected.

In the backseat, children are generally away from the direct impact of front airbags and are also in a position where they are likely to be better protected by seat belts and the car's structural integrity during a collision. This practice aligns with safety recommendations from various agencies that emphasize the importance of securing children in the backseat until they reach a certain age or size.