Which side is safer to install the car seat, behind the driver or the other side?

Question

Which side is safer to install the car seat, behind the driver or the other side?

Answer 1

It is safest in the back in the middle. Other than that, it's a coin toss. Which side are you going to be hit on?

If not in the middle, put it where you're most comfortable with it. Where it's easiest to use or maybe within reach.

Answer 2

The back seat in the middle because the vehicles crumple zone is the strongest there...

Answer 3

I don't think either one is safer but I would put the child where I could see and reach him.

Answer 4

If there is just one car seat, it's suppose to be in the middle because that is the safest place.

I have twins, so we have one behind the driver and passenger.  I do find it easier to help the kid on the passenger side if there is a problem, but if I had only one car seat to deal with, I would keep it in the middle.  Any other non-carseated kid can deal with the space leftover.

Answer 5

There is no safety benefit between the outboard positions - b/c you can't predict which side will be hit. Most people opt for the passenger side, b/c they can easier see and reach their child.

The safest place to put the car seat is where it installs the best. If it installs equally well in all positions, then the middle is safest b/c it provides the most protection front, back, and sides from crashes. In many cars, however, child car seats don't fit well inthe middle. And you can NOT use LATCH in the middle position.