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Original poster

would you put a child in the front seat, with car seat, if you could switch the airbag off?

69 replies

misdee · 14/08/2006 13:13

?

OP posts:
Thomcat · 14/08/2006 13:15

Ummmmmm ???????????
I think so, if I had to, on a one off. Wouldn't want to do it every day though, wouldn't feel right. But if I had to for one reson or other, airbag off, short journey, one off, yeah I probbaly would.

Mascaraohara · 14/08/2006 13:16

I had a two seater car when dd was small, turned the air bag off - no problem..

Why would it be an issue?

MerlinsBeard · 14/08/2006 13:17

yes

Original poster
misdee · 14/08/2006 13:17

am just considering options for a 2nd car if DLA do decide to award mobility. (should know by end of sept).

i like having a small car, but think that another big car would be the best option, tho dont really want a big beast again for just me and the girls.

OP posts:
belgo · 14/08/2006 13:17

I have put my baby in the front seat with the air bag off, in her maxi cosi car seat, but only when there have been two other car seats in the back - is there something wrong with that? I didn't think it was dangerous as long as the air bag was switched off?

katierocket · 14/08/2006 13:17

yes

clairemow · 14/08/2006 13:19

I would. In fact, we have a peugeot in which DS's seat will only fit in the front seat. He can see much more, and I don't have to turn round if there's a problem.

Original poster
misdee · 14/08/2006 13:19

hmmmm so i could still consider the micra i want then

*please note this is not a thread about buying a car, just a thread about possibly getting a car.

OP posts:
Bugsy2 · 14/08/2006 13:22

Don't have an airbag, so spared the worry of turning it off & yes, when I'm carting around other people's kids as well as my own, ds gets a ride in the front seat.

Twinkie1 · 14/08/2006 13:25

No

It is statistically much safer to put your child in the back of a car.

ROSPA states that a child is less likely to be injured (from small injuries to fatalities) when in the back of a car and if possible and you have a proper middle seat belt a child should be strapped into the middle seat of the car in the back as their is less chance of then being effected so badly by any impact.

I have been in a fatal road accident and see it as my responsibility to make sure my kids are as safe as they can be in the car - both of them are aware that they could scream blue murder and I wouldn't turn around unless I had brought the car to a stand still.

Your choice really but at the end of the day I would rather the odds were stacked in their favour of them coming out uninjured or not badly injured or killed than against them.

SueW · 14/08/2006 13:26

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at OP's request.

Original poster
misdee · 14/08/2006 13:29

i have three children tho. to fit in 3 car seats means getting another small MPV.

OP posts:
tassis · 14/08/2006 13:30

Twinkie, that's interesting that the middle seat is the safest place to be. Ds has recently started sitting there and loving the view. It's also a lot less far to turn round to see him!

MerlinsBeard · 14/08/2006 13:32

misdee, (i know ur not looking for a car) we were looking for a car with 3 full size seats across the back. there isn't alot out there and you're right, just MPVs.

Norah · 14/08/2006 13:32

My dd has always travelled in the front seat - I had my air bag disconnected when she was born.

I could not bear not to be able to see her face when she was newborn when driving along - many people have commented that it's unsafe - but I am happy with it - she's 6 now - and rarely goes in the back if it's just me and her.

I guess it depends on how confident you are in your driving skills - everything in life is a risk - you just have to assess and evaluate and make your own decision.

tassis · 14/08/2006 13:33

(I can fit 3 car seats in the back of my renault scenic no problem)

Twinkie1 · 14/08/2006 13:33

Would that be such a big deal though Misdee to get one - I mean it would mean they were safer at the end of the day?

Megglevache · 14/08/2006 13:33

Message withdrawn

Original poster
misdee · 14/08/2006 13:34

our car is a nissan tino small MPV (think they have replaced it with the note now). its great for carrying peters equipment about, but its soo big.

i just sold my matiz, mainly due to my sister having a horrific smack in hers, and i also couldnt switch the airbag off so dd1 was sat i na booster seat, the thought of the airbag going off terrified me. i recently drove a nissan micra, and loved it, plus you can switch the airbag off.

OP posts:
elliott · 14/08/2006 13:38

No I wouldn't. Safer in the back.

CaligulaCorday · 14/08/2006 13:52

Only if there is no other option. Back is much safer.

Bugsy2 · 14/08/2006 13:58

I can get 3 car seats in the back of my thousand year old volvo estate no problem. Has never broken down, has the boot capacity of a horse box, costs peanuts to insure & you could probably pick one up for less than £500!

lionheart · 14/08/2006 14:12

I was looking for the same thing, mumofmonsters 'cos I'd like a five seater that actually carries five.

Misdee, You might want to check this out but when I tried to find out about switching off the front passenger airbag I was told it could be done but that you wouldn't find out for sure that it was properly disabled until you had an accident. Sounds very risky.
(Although it might depend on the car etc and maybe this has changed for recent models).

HappyDaddy · 14/08/2006 15:00

I would, misdee. A new mum I know doesn't feel right not being able to see baby, when driving. She does this and it makes her feel much better.

FullOfTestosterone · 14/08/2006 15:03

Humm. I can see myself doing that if I had no other choice, would not consider for everyday. Is not as safe as in the back, and could not justify/decide which child I was going to expose to more risk....

but I am neurotic...