Call 24/7 · Free case evaluation

Home / Resources / What Is the Safest Seat in the Car?

What Is the Safest Seat in the Car?

Wondering what the safest seat int he car is? Learn where experts say you're most protected and how seating position impacts passenger safety.

Blog, Safety Tips

WHAT IS THE SAFEST SEAT IN THE CAR?

Before getting into the car, you probably aren’t thinking too much about which seat you choose. But in the event of a crash, your seat choice can make a big difference to your safety.

Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found that the middle seat in the back row is often the safest choice. This seat has been chosen as the safest seat in the car for a few reasons: it’s the farthest from impact zones, meaning that being in the middle seat keeps you away from the doors and windows, which are often impacted during crashes. The middle seat in the back row also protects you from front airbags. Although airbags save lives, they can also cause injuries to children and smaller passengers. Lastly, there is an advantage to being in the rear position. Sitting in the back row puts you farther from the point of impact in a head-on collision.

With This Said, Safety Depends on More Than Just the Seat

Even the safest seat isn’t always the safest without the right precautions. Seat belts are essential – always buckle up, even in the back seat. Children should always be in an age-appropriate car seat until they meet the state requirements for height, weight, and age.

When the Middle Seat Isn’t Available

If the middle seat is unattainable, choose a back seat over the front seat. Be sure that your seat belt is securely across your lap and shoulder. Lastly, avoid leaning against any doors or windows.

The Verdict

The verdict on this one is: the safest seat in the car is the middle seat in the back row. However, regardless of where you sit, buckling up and using appropriate restraints is the most important step you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

MCCOY & MCCOY LAW FIRM

CT Personal Injury Lawyers

Established in the 1960, the law firm of McCoy & McCoy continues to provide residents of Connecticut with reliable, sympathetic, and efficient legal help in the areas of accident claims, personal injury, and wrongful deaths. With over 50+ years of combined experience, our team compromises Connecticut natives who have a passion for justice and the local communities we live in.

Few law firms that practice personal injury can truthfully state that 100% of efforts are allocated to cases involving serious injures. We understand these cases involve complex legal theories and that our clients face added obstacles created by catastrophic injuries through no fault of their own.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Connecticut’s New Left Lane Law: What Drivers Need to Know by 2026
Dog Bite Case: From $0 Offer to $150,000 Settlement

About case results

Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is unique and must be evaluated based on its individual facts and circumstances.

Resources

Helpful answers, when you need them.

Your first conversation

What to expect from a free consultation, and what to bring.

After a car accident

A practical checklist to help you organize what happened.

Understanding your claim

Questions to discuss with an attorney before deciding what comes next.

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Tell us what happened. We will listen, explain where you stand, and help you decide what to do next — at no cost and with no obligation.

Request a free case review

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*

We use your information to respond to your inquiry. Read our Privacy Policy.