Rear-Facing Car Seats Protect in Rear-End Crashes

Little research exists on child safety in rear-facing car seats in the event of a rear-end crash. In this study, Ohio State University researchers tested several rear-facing car seats in rear-end crashes and found that all of the seats were effective at supporting a child’s head, neck, and spine. Study lead author Dr. Julie Mansfield adds, “Even though the child is facing the direction of the impact, it doesn’t mean that a rear-facing car seat isn’t going to do its job…It still has lots of different features and mechanisms to absorb that crash energy and protect the child.” SAE International, April 2018