How does using a rear-facing car seat benefit child safety in a crash?

Using a rear-facing car seat significantly benefits child safety during a crash by providing better support for the head, neck, and spine. When a child is seated in a rear-facing position, the car seat cradles their body and distributes the crash forces more evenly across the back of the seat. This helps to reduce the risk of severe injuries to critical areas of a child’s developing anatomy, particularly the head and neck, which are more vulnerable in forward-facing positions where the force of a collision can cause serious whiplash injuries.

In contrast, while some other options may seem appealing, they do not directly contribute to safety. For instance, visibility from the window or ease of monitoring the child does not enhance the child's protection during a crash, and convenience in installation does not impact the effectiveness of the car seat in offering security during an accident. Thus, the primary focus on support and protection underscores the importance of rear-facing car seats in safeguarding a child's well-being in a vehicle.