Harlene Labrum | October 30, 2024 | Tennessee Law
At What Age Can Kids Sit In The Front Seat Of A Car In Tennessee?
Sitting in the front seat often feels like a rite of passage for a child. It’s fun for them to get a new view after having been required to sit in the back seat for so long. However, with so many different laws and expert recommendations, it can be tough to know exactly when that time will come.
Whenever your child is in the car, their safety is paramount. Keep reading to learn about what Tennessee law says about this issue.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Children In The Front Seat?
There are two criteria children in Tennessee must meet to be legally eligible to ride in the front seat of a car:
- The child must be at least 4′9″ tall
- The child must be at least nine years old
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security recommends that even children who meet these criteria should sit in the rear seat if one is available. This is in line with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which also recommends children under 13 stay in the back seat during car rides.
The law also states that the driver must ensure that children are properly restrained no matter where they sit in the car. If the child’s parent is present in the car during the ride, ensuring the use of proper restraints then becomes their responsibility.
Why Are There Restrictions On Kids Sitting In The Front?
Statistics show that children are more likely to be injured when they sit in the front seat. According to data from the American Academy of Pediatrics, sitting in the front seat raises the risk of injury from a car accident anywhere from 40% to 70%. Children aged four to eight are also 62% less likely to sustain injuries from side impacts when riding in the rear of the car.
Additionally, airbag deployment has been shown to cause serious injury (and sometimes even death) in children, especially when they sit in the front seat, where passenger airbag deployment can be particularly harmful.
What Happens If A Child Is Injured In A Car Accident?
In 2021, 82 children died from car accident injuries in Tennessee. Statistics also show that over one-third of children who died in car accidents in 2020 were not properly restrained.
If a child is riding in the front seat when the law says they should not be, or if the child is not properly restrained in the back seat, the driver can be considered negligent. If the parent is present in the vehicle, it could be considered negligent on their part as well.
Tennessee’s modified comparative negligence laws mean that these accusations can make it more challenging to pursue a legal case to hold the other driver responsible. A plaintiff must be less than 50% responsible for a car accident to recover damages, which will be reduced by the percentage of fault the driver bringing the suit is deemed to have.
Ensuring proper restraints for your child when riding in a motor vehicle not only protects your child from harm and death but also helps you solidify your case.
Securing The Assistance of an Attorney Can Make All The Difference
If you’re considering bringing a lawsuit to recover damages after your child was injured in a car accident, it’s a good idea not to handle it alone. An attorney who knows the law inside and out can help you thwart negligence claims if your child is legally allowed to sit in the front seat and properly restrained in the car.
Your attorney will do the work of conducting an investigation and securing expert witnesses while you help your child heal physically and emotionally. Ultimately, you’ll have more peace of mind that you’ve got someone fighting for your rights in the midst of a difficult time.
Contact our Nashville Car Accident Attorneys at Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers Today
For more information, please contact the Nashville personal injury law firm of Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Nashville, Brentwood, and its surrounding areas in Tennessee:
Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers – Nashville
315 Deaderick St, Suite 1525
Nashville, TN 37238
(615) 685-8546
Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers – Brentwood
320 Seven Springs Way, Suite 250
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 455-3384