Some pregnant women hesitate to use a seat belt because they worry it may injure their unborn child if they are in a Lebanon car crash. Experts say the opposite is true and that seat belts save the lives of unborn babies because they often protect the mother from serious injury. Both the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) agree that pregnant women should always wear seat belts.
Following are five tips to keep pregnant women safe on the road:
- Fasten the lap belt securely below the belly. It should fit low and tight across your hips and pubic bone.
- Position the shoulder belt across your chest and away from your neck. Never place it behind your back or arm.
- Move your seat back as far as possible while making sure you can still reach the pedals comfortably.
- Keep your distance from the steering wheel. There should be at least 10 inches between your breastbone and the steering wheel. As your pregnancy advances, you may have to adjust your seat position.
- Sit in the back seat with your seat belt fastened if you are not driving—it is safer there.
Seat belts save lives—including those of unborn babies. Pregnant women should follow the safety guidelines listed above and buckle up every time they get into a car. If you have been involved in a serious car accident and need expert legal advice, contact a Harrisburg car accident attorney at Schmidt Kramer toll free at (717) 888-8888 for a free case consultation. Alternatively, you may wish to download a free copy of our book, Who Pays the Bills When You Are Injured in an Automobile Accident? for more information.