Practice question

Where should your child sit if they outgrow a booster seat but are under 13?

  1. In the front seat
  2. In the back seat
  3. In a regular seatbelt in the front
  4. In a child safety seat

Answer: B — In the back seat

The safest place for a child to sit in a vehicle is in the back seat, especially if they are under the age of 13. This recommendation is based on safety data showing that children are less likely to be injured in the event of an accident when seated in the back. The back seat is generally farther from the impact of a collision, particularly in the case of frontal crashes, which are among the most common types of car accidents. Additionally, while children may have outgrown a booster seat, they often still require the additional protection that being in the back seat provides. Front seats are designed for adults and can pose a risk to children due to their proximity to airbags, which are intended for adult-sized positions. When considering these safety factors, it's clear that the back seat remains the best option for children under 13, regardless of whether they are in a booster or using a regular seatbelt.

Practice more: North Carolina (NC) Permit Practice Test →