Final answer:
Children under the age of 12 should ride in the back seat of a vehicle, using an age, weight, and height-appropriate car seat or booster seat. They should never be left unsupervised near hazards and should use proper safety equipment like bike helmets when riding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Children under the age of 12 should always ride in the back seat of a vehicle, properly secured in a car seat or a booster seat suitable for their age, weight, and height. This recommendation is a safety measure to protect young children from the potential risks of airbag deployment and to provide them with better protection in the event of a car crash. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for child car seat usage, which state that children ages 0 to 2.5 should be in rear-facing car seats, children ages 2.5 to 6 in forward-facing seats, and older children in booster seats until they are big enough to properly use the car's seat belt.
In addition to proper car seat use, parents and guardians should ensure that young children are never left unsupervised around hazards such as water, as stated in Figure 16.3.5, to prevent risks like drowning. Whether at home or in public spaces, young children's safety is of utmost importance. Supervision and proper safety precautions, including the correct use of bicycle helmets when riding bikes, are crucial in preventing injuries and accidents.
By remaining vigilant about safety standards for children's transportation and supervision, accidents can be significantly reduced, and children can grow and explore their environment safely.