If traveling in a vehicle with a passenger side airbag, where should a child safety seat ideally be placed?

The recommended placement for a child safety seat is in the middle seat of the back. This position provides the best protection for the child in the event of a collision. The middle seat is generally the farthest away from potential impact zones (the sides of the vehicle), which significantly reduces the risk of injury during a crash.

Furthermore, using the middle seat allows for optimal use of the vehicle's safety features, such as additional seatbelt length and airbag placement, where applicable. In the event of an accident, being centrally located can help minimize the risk of side impacts, which are more dangerous.

While placing a child safety seat in the front seat is not advisable due to the risk posed by the airbag, the right rear seat and left rear seat do not offer the same level of safety as the middle seat. This is particularly true for younger children who should be in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible. Thus, choosing the middle seat in the back is the safest option for securing a child safety seat in a vehicle equipped with passenger side airbags.