Yes, children are statistically and physically much safer in the back seat of a vehicle. In 2026, safety data from organizations like the NHTSA continues to emphasize that all children under the age of 13 should be restrained in the rear seats for optimal protection. The primary reason is the active front passenger airbag; while designed to save adults, the force of a deploying airbag can be fatal to a child, especially an infant in a rear-facing seat. Furthermore, the back seat is further away from the most common point of impact in a collision—the front of the car. Research shows that being in the back seat reduces the risk of death in a crash by approximately 30%. To maximize this safety, it is vital that children remain in the correct age- and size-appropriate restraint, whether it be a rear-facing seat, a forward-facing harness, or a booster seat. Safety experts in 2026 also warn that "misuse" of car seats is a major risk, with nearly 46% of seats installed incorrectly, even when placed in the safer rear position.