Classmate riding in front seat :(

Athena · Feb 26, 2013

As we were getting in our car in the school parking lot today, a kid was getting into the front seat of a car next to us. He was making a really big deal about it, so it was impossible to miss. And even if I'd missed it, my DD did not and had questions because this kid is a first grader too, like her. I told her it is illegal and not safe. You should have seen the belt fit!

And I could only see the shoulder belt that was over his head. It makes me really sad. I knew you all would understand.

D&L's-mommy · Feb 26, 2013

Athena said:
As we were getting in our car in the school parking lot today, a kid was getting into the front seat of a car next to us. He was making a really big deal about it, so it was impossible to miss. And even if I'd missed it, my DD did not and had questions because this kid is a first grader too, like her. I told her it is illegal and not safe. You should have seen the belt fit! And I could only see the shoulder belt that was over his head. It makes me really sad. I knew you all would understand.

It worries me when I see really bad car safety. If I know the parent I will sometimes say something like "I love that your son is wearing his seatbelt, but the back seat is so much safer for kids under 13, plus it's illegal. I'd hate to see you get a ticket for something that you can so easily prevent", not to mention he should be in a booster, but small steps. But, unfortunately sometimes the best you can do is say a prayer that they don't wreck.
I love how your DD knew that it was "wrong" for a 1st grader to be in the front seat, my kids also will point out less than best practice situations

I have even heard my kids telling their friends that they should be using a booster seat and their seat belt

VoodooChile · Feb 26, 2013

My dd always points out kids her age (and younger) in the front seat. I've explained to her about the airbag sensor and why she can't sit up front, so now I wonder if she's shared that with any of her front-seat-riding friends.

mybabybean · Feb 26, 2013

I used to see this a lot when I worked at a school. I would always try to talk the kids into the back seat but some parents insisted. Of course there was not a booster in site half the time

My 4yo knows that she can't not ride in the front till she is 13, period, and even then we will have to discuss it. She frequently points out kids unbuckled, improperly buckled, and in the front seat. She knows it's wrong.

Keeanh · Feb 26, 2013

Pretty much every vehicle around here has a kid in the front seat. At least half the kids at hockey are out of boosters before the legal age of 9. I don't even bother to say anything.

Phineasmama · Feb 26, 2013

I see kids in the front seat all the time too and I don't say anything either :/ Even like 3 year olds. And you're lucky if they're even wearing a seat belt!

canadiangie · Feb 26, 2013

Major uphill climb to get kids back into the back seat since the advent of advanced airbags. The technology is kind of a double edged sword. It is absolutely a step forward to have smart airbag technology, however I know I am seeing a lot more children up front, and in some cases their booster is upfront with them, and I know it's because Car Salesman Of The Month told them its perfectly safe to do. And I know that wasn't the intention when smart airbag technology debuted.

If I have a chance (meaning I'm not offering unsolicited advice, someone has asked my thoughts) I say that the airbag is still considered active even if it is weight sensored, that relying on a computer sensor isn't something I'm comfortable doing, and that the backseat is 40% safer.

Athena · Feb 26, 2013

Thanks for all the responses. I don't know the family, so not really an opportunity to say anything. It sounds like our school/town could be a lot worse. At least the kids I see get in front seats are big enough that I'm usually not sure they're not a small 8 year old. Not that it being legal would make it safe.

mybabybean said:
My 4yo knows that she can't not ride in the front till she is 13, period, and even then we will have to discuss it. She frequently points out kids unbuckled, improperly buckled, and in the front seat. She knows it's wrong.

My DD knows this too. In fact, today she said you have to be an adult to ride in the front, reminding me how old 13 sounds to a 6 year old.

D&L's-mommy said:
I love how your DD knew that it was "wrong" for a 1st grader to be in the front seat, my kids also will point out less than best practice situations I have even heard my kids telling their friends that they should be using a booster seat and their seat belt

Afterwards, I did wonder if she might say something to the kid at school. She's fairly shy though, so probably not.

canadiangie said:
Major uphill climb to get kids back into the back seat since the advent of advanced airbags.

I hadn't thought about the new airbag technology and how it can make kids less safe if misused.

Classmate riding in front seat :(

Athena

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D&L's-mommy

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VoodooChile

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mybabybean

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