They belong in the back seat because the back seat is far from the dashboard and the windshield. They belong in the back because the driver needs to focus on driving, not fussing over a baby.
That, and they belong in the back seat because the government rammed passenger-side airbags down our throats...and THEN figured out that they kill small children. Ooops! Time to hide Junior in the back seat where you can't see him!
As the father of a five-month-old, I have a *little* more sympathy for these people than I used to. I know after some long drives, I've really had to forcibly remind myself to check in the back for my daughter. It's more likely now, though, that I'll think she's in the car when she isn't, than the other way around.
}:-)4