Important question about rear facing vs forward facing

[LISmama810]

The statistics don't count a rear-ender as 1 frontal and 1 rear end crash, nor do they count head-ons as 2 frontals.

But they ARE, regardless of how they're counted.

Also, aren't rear-end crashes usually very minor? I.e., they tend to happen at low speeds, like bumper-to-bumper traffic jams, approaching red lights, etc.?

 

[mamabear]

"The forces in a rear impact crash are much different from the forces in a frontal impact crash. In a frontal impact, the forces are much greater because the vehicles are usually traveling in opposite directions. "


This excerpt was taken form the Kyle David Miller:Rear facing is safest page.

Aside form having all the usual great info on why rear facing is safest, if you scroll down to the "Q and A" part at the bottom you can read the whole answer as to why rear facing is still safer in rear-end collisions.It explains it very well, plainly and simply.
This is at least what my sister found easiest to understand when I was explaining extended RF to her regarding my nephew. A rear end collision is also her "fuzzy area" of understanding.

 

[tjham]

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/121/3/619

I think this article is helpful too and all pediatricians should be REQUIRED to read it, especially this part.

*One significant change in counseling is now emerging that may greatly improve the safety of infants and young children. A recent analysis of the protection provided in rear-facing compared with forward-facing car safety seats has revealed that children under the age of 2 years are 75% less likely to die or sustain serious injury when they are in a rear-facing seat. This finding was true regardless of direction of the crash, even those crashes with side impact, which typically are the most severe.*

 

[luv2bfishin]

Hi all, Grandpa here.

I realize this is an old post, but I had to comment. My grandson was 18 mos & 33 lbs (50% over the threshold to FF), in a front-facing seat .....and broke his neck. He survived, but his story (and video) may help one to decide the FF vs RF safety issue. Visit: joelsjourney.org

 

[jess71903]

Hi all, Grandpa here.

I realize this is an old post, but I had to comment. My grandson was 18 mos & 33 lbs (50% over the threshold to FF), in a front-facing seat .....and broke his neck. He survived, but his story (and video) may help one to decide the FF vs RF safety issue. Visit: joelsjourney.org

Grandpa!! Good to see you on here! How is Joel doing these days?

 

[SafeDad]

Hi all, Grandpa here.

I realize this is an old post, but I had to comment. My grandson was 18 mos & 33 lbs (50% over the threshold to FF), in a front-facing seat .....and broke his neck. He survived, but his story (and video) may help one to decide the FF vs RF safety issue. Visit: joelsjourney.org

Welcome back and thank you for your comment, we all hope Joel is doing well!

And, of course, Car-Safety.Org, Car-Seat.org and many of our community have been very strong advocates for extended rear-facing for over a decade!

Here's a copy of our first web page that appeared originally in 2001!

Please drive safely during this busy holiday season everyone!

 

[amandaj553]

Thank you, Grandpa! Joel's story was one of the main things that convinced me to keep my kids RF way longer than normal (at least here), and I send the youtube video to everyone. Hope Joel is doing well!

Amanda

Gavin (4) - ERF until 3 years, 11 months... now FF in Nautilus
Brynna (2) - ERF as long as possible in Marathon70

 

[D&L's-mommy]

my kids' pediatrician also told me to ff my kids at a young age (14months, and 10months), so I did it. this was 8 and 3 years ago, but I wish I had trusted my gut and continued to rf. It is so much safer. My new niece will ride rf in my car until she is AT LEAST 3, but definitely much longer if she is within the limits of an rf seat