I am really suprized that CPSC still allows those rear seat carriers to be sold, they just look like an absoltely horrible child brain injury waiting to happen (even with a helmet). I am a fairly accomplished and skillfull biker but I cannot imagine subjecting one of my kids to the danger of those rearseat carriers. THere are just way to many variables out of your control to ensure that you will never crash, particularly when your bike is top-heavy. A tow-behind carrier is probably 1000X safer. Find somewhere to lockup or store a trailer.