Where should a 3-year-old child be positioned in a vehicle?

A 3-year-old child should be positioned in the backseat of a vehicle in a car seat that is facing forward, as this is the safest configuration for young children. At this age, children have typically outgrown the rear-facing car seat but are still small enough to require the protection of a car seat designed for their weight and height.

The backseat is recommended because it is the safest location in the vehicle for young children, offering more protection in the event of a crash compared to the front seat. Forward-facing car seats are designed to provide maximum support for a child's head, neck, and spine in a frontal crash, which is a common type of accident. It is crucial that the car seat is appropriate for the child's size and is installed correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure optimal safety.

This approach aligns with safety recommendations from organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and other traffic safety authorities, which emphasize the importance of using appropriate child restraints in the backseat until children are old enough to safely use seat belts on their own.