[kirei]

Please don't flame me.

I just need some carseat information...

Basically, there is a possibility that I will be driving from Portland to NY, alone with dd. I am not looking forward to this at all. I don't have much of a choice.... I don't know of anyone who could drive with me, and I need as much space available in the car as possible (I am bringing whatever will fit in my car).

I have heard of some people who put a carseat in the front seat, as long as the air bag was turned off. Is this legal? I imagine its not preferable.... but just for this trip, I may want to do this if at all possible. Its going to be so so so so difficult, and I think dd would be much happier if she could sit with me. That also would free up the entire back area / trunk for all of my stuff.

So, does anyone know? Has anyone done this? I only want the carseat in the front for the trip.... once I'm in NY, she would go in the back again.

I'm not even positive that I'm going yet... but this is a big issue that I am trying to work out. TIA.

 

[nonconformnmom]

I'm sure it's not illegal. Have a good trip!

 

[TinkerBelle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirei Please don't flame me. I just need some carseat information... Basically, there is a possibility that I will be driving from Portland to NY, alone with dd. I am not looking forward to this at all. I don't have much of a choice.... I don't know of anyone who could drive with me, and I need as much space available in the car as possible (I am bringing whatever will fit in my car). I have heard of some people who put a carseat in the front seat, as long as the air bag was turned off. Is this legal? I imagine its not preferable.... but just for this trip, I may want to do this if at all possible. Its going to be so so so so difficult, and I think dd would be much happier if she could sit with me. That also would free up the entire back area / trunk for all of my stuff. So, does anyone know? Has anyone done this? I only want the carseat in the front for the trip.... once I'm in NY, she would go in the back again. I'm not even positive that I'm going yet... but this is a big issue that I am trying to work out. TIA.

I would check with local authorities.

I would not do it. I just would worry too much.

 

[kirei]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinkerBelle I would check with local authorities. I would not do it. I just would worry too much.

I will check with them, but I'm also wondering if the law varies by state. That could make things really really difficult, driving across the country.

I'm really torn on the issue, because it would be ideal for her to be in the front seat with me, for many reasons. So its a really hard decision. :\

 

[USAmma]

I would actually put my dd in the front seat if I could get the bag deactivated. It would make things easier in many ways. It's not illegal, btw.

 

[Charles Baudelaire]

I'm not an expert on this, and I hope DallasChildren, who IS an expert, responds to this, but here's what I would say:

Illegal or not, the front seat is NOT the safest seat.
By putting your child in the front seat, you're choosing to put him in a seat that you know is not as safe as one in the back.

Can you live with that?

Another safety issue with packing the cab of your car with stuff. In an accident, that stuff can become lethally wicked projectiles.

Quick physics lesson: mass x speed = force. That means that the weight of object X is multiplied times the speed at which you're going. If you have a can of soup that weighs one pound, let's say, it's going at 60 miles an hour if your car is going 60.

Okay, if your car stops, that can is still going at 60 mph. At one pound, that can now hits the windshield with the force of 60 mph -- it's as if the can weighed sixty pounds.

Now multiply that can times (for example) a ten-pound cooler full of ice and sodas. 10 x 60 = 600 pounds. A flying 600-pound cooler in your car is no fun.

Now. Imagine it hitting your head. Or someone else's head.
You decide what you want in the cab of your car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirei Please don't flame me. I just need some carseat information... Basically, there is a possibility that I will be driving from Portland to NY, alone with dd. I am not looking forward to this at all. I don't have much of a choice.... I don't know of anyone who could drive with me, and I need as much space available in the car as possible (I am bringing whatever will fit in my car). I have heard of some people who put a carseat in the front seat, as long as the air bag was turned off. Is this legal? I imagine its not preferable.... but just for this trip, I may want to do this if at all possible. Its going to be so so so so difficult, and I think dd would be much happier if she could sit with me. That also would free up the entire back area / trunk for all of my stuff. So, does anyone know? Has anyone done this? I only want the carseat in the front for the trip.... once I'm in NY, she would go in the back again. I'm not even positive that I'm going yet... but this is a big issue that I am trying to work out. TIA.

 

[sophmama]

So how would you suggest she transport the stuff she'll be taking? Rent one of those top things (that look like big mac boxes) or a trailer? They're not that expensive I don't think and worth it for the safety and breathing room in the car.

 

[MamaBug]

I know your under pressure, but I would spend the extra $$ and get a Uhaul trailer hook up one way. I could not take the chance and you would never be able to live with yourself if something happened to her. Good luck and hope everything works out for you

 

[Dragonfly]

I'd rent the trailer. It's safest in the back seat. And, since she'll be newly 1 (I'm assuming that you're not going until after she turns 1 since you said she'll be FF), you should really consider keeping her rear-facing anyway. It's much, much, MUCH safer for her.

 

[chel]

I vote for roof rack. I think there are some bags that don't even need to use the car's racks, but can just sit on top of the car.
I agree, I don't think it's illegal for a kid to be in the front if all the other spots are being used. I loved driving with dd when I had a pick-up and had to put dd besides me (pre airbag truck)
As far as stuff flying around in a wreck, I would secure your stuff with the seatbelts. I've done that with a TV and a large cat carrier.

 

[kirei]

nak

i have looked into getting the trailer.... i have a jetta with no hitch and the trailer is not available for my car. and i cant afford it either. i dont have a roof rack, but i was planning on seeing if i could find something to tie up there.... tho i dont think its possible.

anyway, i already have a ton of stuff in my car?

toys, books, clothes, drinks.... that stuff is always there, even though i try to clean it out once in a while.

also its not just that i want the extra space.... but it will be a loooooong trip and really difficult. dd will be happier sitting with me and much less stressful. i feel that it would make a difficult trip easier.

yes i would be waiting for her to turn 1.

p.s. im not trying to say that her safety isnt worth the money or anything.....

 

[dallaschildren]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirei nak i have looked into getting the trailer.... i have a jetta with no hitch and the trailer is not available for my car. and i cant afford it either. i dont have a roof rack, but i was planning on seeing if i could find something to tie up there.... tho i dont think its possible. anyway, i already have a ton of stuff in my car? toys, books, clothes, drinks.... that stuff is always there, even though i try to clean it out once in a while. also its not just that i want the extra space.... but it will be a loooooong trip and really difficult. dd will be happier sitting with me and much less stressful. i feel that it would make a difficult trip easier. yes i would be waiting for her to turn 1. p.s. im not trying to say that her safety isnt worth the money or anything.....

Hi Kirei,

If you can let me know what state you are in, I will link you to the applicable state law. It sounds like your situation doesn't have too many other options. I do have one question though....could you ship some of the stuff (or all of it) to your destination? That would alleviate the two safety concerns prior PP's have mentioned...having to place your child in the front seat and having the car loaded with dangerous projectiles if you should wreck.

Dallaschildren
CPS tech and momma to 2 sons in seats

 

[dallaschildren]

Ok...had a senior moment...I see your location is Portland which I will assume is Oregon...here is your state law....

Oregon Laws Regarding Child Passengers
ORS 811.210
A child who is under four years of age and weighs 40 pounds or less must be properly secured with a child safety system designed for children weighing 40 pounds or less.

A child who is at least four years of age and under six years of age or weighs between 40 and 60 pounds must be properly secured with a child safety system that elevates the person so that a safety belt or safety harness properly fits the person. "Proper fit" means the lap belt of the safety belt or safety harness is positioned low across the thighs and the shoulder belt is positioned over the collarbone and away from the neck.The child safety system must be designed for children weighing between 40 and 60 pounds.

A child who is at least six years of age and weighs 60 pounds or more must be properly secured with a safety belt or safety harness.

Effective January 1, 2004 Senate Bill 182 exempts a child from the booster seat requirement when the rear seat of the vehicle he or she is riding in is equipped only with lap belts, provided the child is secured by the lap belt.

The offense described in this section, failure to properly use safety belts or child restraints, is a Class D traffic violation resulting in a $94.00 fine.

Where are you driving to? If it is another state, once you cross the state line, you will be held accountable for violations within that state.

Okee dokee...another senior moment

: ....you said you are driving to NY. Here is their law:

http://www.health.state.ny.us/preven...oster_seat.htm

Dallaschildren
CPS tech and momma to 2 sons in seats

 

[meemee]

what i would do is when u r travelling thru wide open spaces - no crowd have ur dd in the front seat.

when u r driving thru busy traffic have her in teh back.

btw is it portland maine or portland oregon? if it is oregon then definitely check weather reports too.

oh and i personally see - esp. with moms with a few kids, car seats in the front seat where either there is no airbag or the air bag has been disabled.

i would say before u travel completely empty out the car. i know what u mean about things collecting in teh car. and then when u put things in secure everything tightly. get those elasticised ropes with hooks. take small items and put them in big bags so u dont have many small items but a few big ones.

best of luck. it might be much more easier than u think and perhaps things will work out well.

 

[Kerrie]

When I was trying to figure out if I could fit 3 carseats in my car the local state police car seat 'person' suggested putting DD (4) in the front w/the seat as far back as possible (she then said no since I have airbags and can't turn them off). Good luck and I hope everything goes well. FWIW - I would do it if I was in your position.

 

[Amylcd]

It's illegal in Ohio (or was when my cousin got a ticket for it 4 or 5 years ago)

 

[earthmama369]

In terms of packing and preventing projectiles in case of an accident, put the heaviest stuff on the bottom and use blankets and bungee cords or rachets to tie everything down on top. This can also help with your visibility.

As far as my daughter goes, I wouldn't put her in the front seat, even if she were old enough and heavy/tall enough to be forward facing, especially for that long of a trip. Her happiness means the world to me, but her safety means EVERYTHING. In a situation where I just have to spend that much time in a car, I'd much rather have her be unhappy than in a position of increased danger.

 

[lilgsmommy]

Is there any way that you can preship some of the stuff you want/need to take with you to the state you are going to?

 

[srain]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles Baudelaire Illegal or not, the front seat is NOT the safest seat. By putting your child in the front seat, you're choosing to put him in a seat that you know is not as safe as one in the back. Can you live with that?

Illegal or not, driving a car is not the safest transportation option. Staying home or taking public transportation is safest. But most people don't limit themselves in that way- yet live with that without a second thought.

 

[sahli29]

//