Where is the safest place for a child of any age to ride in a vehicle?

The safest place for a child of any age to ride in a vehicle is in the back seat. This is primarily due to safety statistics and recommendations from child safety organizations. In a collision, the back seat is generally further away from the point of impact, which reduces the potential for injury.

Additionally, children riding in the back seat are less likely to be impacted by airbag deployment, which is a significant safety concern for passengers in the front seat. Many experts recommend that children should remain in the back seat until they reach a certain age, height, or weight, which adds to their safety during vehicle travel.

While the middle seat can be considered a safe option due to its central position, it's often not practical for all vehicles, and safety features like seat belts and child safety seats may not be equally effective or usable in that position. Furthermore, booster seats offer additional safety when used correctly but they are a type of restraint that should still be used in conjunction with the proper seating position, which is primarily in the back seat for optimal protection.