Should the Child Safety Seat Be Installed on the Left or Right Side?
2 Answers
Child safety seats should be installed on the left side, which is the rear seat behind the front passenger. Below are specific details about child safety seat installation: 1. The safest position for a child safety seat is behind the driver's seat, followed by the rear seat behind the front passenger. 2. According to a survey by the U.S. Department of Transportation, if the risk coefficient of the driver's seat is set at 100, the front passenger seat has a risk coefficient of 101, the rear seat behind the driver has a risk coefficient of 73.4, and the opposite rear seat has a risk coefficient of 74.2. Therefore, the rear seat behind the driver is the safer option.
As a parent with children, I've tried installing car seats on both the left and right sides, but found the right side (the position behind the driver) more reassuring. The reason is simple: that spot is farther from the roadside, so in case of an accident, the child is less likely to be directly impacted. Also, when I'm driving, it's easier to check on the child through the rearview mirror, especially during long trips or when the child is young and needs frequent monitoring. Choosing the right position is important, but installation must also be done carefully—like ensuring the base is securely latched and the seatbelt isn't loose. Don’t make the mistake I did when I first started, installing it incorrectly and only realizing there was a problem when the child cried. Now, before every long trip, I double-check the tightness, referring to the vehicle manual or online tutorials for confirmation. Safety comes first, and the right-side position has become our family's top choice. Plus, it’s safer for the child to get in and out from the right-side door, avoiding the risk of opening the door on the traffic side.
