Almost half of injuries to children under age 3 in car accidents could be eliminated by putting safety seats in the center of a car's backseat, according to a study in the journal Pediatrics.

Parents too often place the child on one of the side seats because it's easier to maneuver them in and out, particularly when another child is in the car, according to a study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia. The report analyzed data from 4,790 crashes.

"Although placement in any rear seating position provides excellent protection for young children in child restraint systems, those in the center rear have the lowest risk of injury," wrote Michael Kallan, the study's lead author.

Children should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 1 year old.