Not too long ago, there was only one kind of child safety car seat: the forward-facing design. These days, child safety seats are different. Nearly every parent knows that for young children under 3 years of age, the rear-facing child seat is the safest. Nevertheless, until a recent safety study published its results, many parents wondered if rear-facing seats were just as safe in car accidents that happened from behind.
According to a study carried out by scientists at Ohio State University Injury Biomechanics Research Center, rear-facing seats are safer than forward-facing seats in accidents that happen from behind. In the study, researchers at Ohio State University performed crash tests with baby crash test dummies to analyze the various forces involved in these incidents. The researchers claim – as a result of the tests – that the seats provide the best protection for children 2 years old and under.
In previous studies, researchers found that rear-facing seats were safer for young children in front and side impact crashes. Now we know they’re best for rear-end crashes too. This is primarily because of the extra neck and spinal support afforded by the rearward-facing seats. That said, researchers point out that parents must install the seats according to instructions and make sure that they are properly fitted to their children if they want to receive the best results.
Was your baby injured in a motor vehicle crash? Depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident, the liability of another party could be an issue. If another party caused the crash, or if your baby was hurt by a defective car seat, you might want to explore the various legal remedies that could be available to you and your child.
Source: Daily Mail, “Rear-facing car seats DO work! Strapping your child in right may save their life, even when they are facing a crash from the back,” Jaleesa Baulkman, April 04, 2018