Question Statistics about safety of 3 car seats in a row?

Unregistered · Apr 20, 2009

I've come across lots of online info about how to fit 3 car seats in one row. But have there been any studies about the safety of this? Or are there guidelines about how to do this as safely as possible?

The most obvious danger seems to be in the case of a side collision. There is not much space (if at all) or the children's limbs might be in between the seats or the proximity of the outer children to the glass.

Sorry, not pleasant thoughts, but I can't seem to find any info on this topic. Thanks!

joolsplus3 · Apr 20, 2009

I don't think there really are many statistics on this (yet), but the best information we have now is that it's possible they are safER due to other seats (well, any occupant), limiting movement in a crash. This is the study I'm referring to... http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-09/chop-htb090905.php
I suppose it would be nice if Britax Advocates fit three-across (it's a new seat with cushions on the side for SIP for both the occupant and the child next to the seat), but I suspect that will be a feature that more seats will incorporate as time goes on. :thumbsup:

wendytthomas · Apr 20, 2009

As for the limbs getting pinched, if you have three across in a car you won't think that's very likely. There's usually NO room between seats to slide fingers, nevermind getting an arm or a leg stuck. In fact, when doing three across installations they're usually so snug to one another that I leave my skin and fingernails behind. So I wouldn't worry about getting limbs caught.

Like Jools said, though. It actually seems to be better. Not that I'd buy seats just to fill up the back row, but I wouldn't fret about three kids back there in any combination of seats/seatbelts.

Wendy