Virginia Driver Education and Traffic Safety (VADETS) Practice Test

Placing infants in the front seat of a vehicle with passenger airbags, even in a rear-facing child restraint system, is not safe. When a rear-facing car seat is installed in the front seat, the infant is at significant risk of injury if the airbag deploys during a crash or sudden stop. Airbags are designed to protect adults, but their deployment can generate enough force to cause serious harm to a small child in a rear-facing position.

The safest location for a child in a rear-facing seat is in the back seat of the vehicle. This position minimizes their exposure to potentially harmful forces from airbags and provides better protection overall during a collision. Therefore, it is essential to follow this safety guideline to ensure the well-being of the child.