Trucks and Child Seats

PaintedBlue's picture
Categories: PaintedBlue - July 26, 2008 - 5:58pm.

Just a thought for the parents on the site-how do you deal with a car seat in a truck? In my state the law says that if a back seat exists, that is where the child has to be. But truck back seats are often only half sized, and would be too short.

But wouldn't it be too dangerous to have them in the front?



For the infant seats in the

thalia's picture
thalia - July 30, 2008 - 2:39pm.

For the infant seats in the back of a truck, for how long are you supposed to keep the infant in the back. As they get older there is barely any leg room as it is now and with the infant seat on an angle, wouldn' t that mean that the baby's leg would get pushed back up in their chests?

thalia

Hypothetically it is more

purple's picture
purple - July 29, 2008 - 7:26pm.

Hypothetically it is more dangerous to have them in the front (about 30% more dangerous if memory serves me), but it was done for years and many of us presumably survived the stupidity of our parents and front seats. If in doubt drop by the PD and ask. Most would be glad to help you understand the laws.

Yes there is limited room

LeftHander's picture
LeftHander - July 30, 2008 - 3:25pm.

Yes there is limited room but the risk is minor. The child might suffer broken legs-but that's compared to a broken neck if they are turned forward facing too soon. Or worse, be impaled by something coming through the front screen.

I have only seen them used

carly's picture
carly - July 29, 2008 - 1:41pm.

I have only seen them used in the trucks that have full size normal backseats (like the extended cab types you know). I think this law varies from state to state as well if I'm not thinking of something else.

I have unfortunately seen

PaintedBlue's picture
PaintedBlue - July 29, 2008 - 6:39pm.

I have unfortunately seen many infant seats even on the half sized rear seats. The justification given was that there was a seatbelt, so it must be safe. But I can't see how the seat can be properly supported when half of it is hanging over the edge.