If a child must be placed in the front seat, should the seat be moved up as close as possible?

Placing a child in the front seat with the seat moved as close to the dashboard as possible is not safe. The correct approach is to ensure that the seat is positioned as far back as possible. This is crucial because if the vehicle is involved in a crash, the airbag can deploy with significant force, which poses a serious risk to a child seated too close to the dashboard. By moving the seat back, you increase the distance between the child and the airbag, thereby reducing the likelihood of injury.

Moreover, it is generally recommended for children under a certain age and size to be in the back seat, as it provides a safer environment during travel. Therefore, if circumstances require placing a child in the front seat, ensuring proper seating distance and the use of appropriate child safety seats is essential for their safety.