Buckle Up For You And Your Baby
Each year, there are approximately 170,000 car crashes in the United States involving pregnant women. As a result, as many as 400 unborn babies die annually, making it the biggest injury related danger to the unborn. And while there has long been a misconception that seatbelts can hinder the health of an unborn baby, a recent study found that nearly half, or approximately 200 babies, would be saved each year if mothers-to-be properly buckled up every time they get in a car.
The study, conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Department, found that unbelted pregnant women are more than three times likely to lose their baby in a crash and two times as likely to have excessive maternal bleeding than those who are properly secured. The findings state that proper seatbelt use reduces the risk of serious fetal injuries or deaths due to car accidents by 84 percent. And, although seatbelts and airbags can pose risks to a fetus, the study found that it's almost always because the seatbelt was worn incorrectly or the pregnant driver or passenger was positioned too close to the steering wheel or airbag.
With National Child Passenger Safety Week looming on the horizon (September 12-18), the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein would like to take the time to pass along a few driver safety tips for pregnant women. The health of your child is of the greatest significance, and by following these safety tips you will put yourself and your baby in the best position possible to withstand any unforeseen accidents, as well as be able to recognize many future National Child Passenger Safety Weeks together.
- Never place a seat belt or lap belt across your belly. Instead, buckle the lap strap under your belly and across your hip/pelvis. Impact from a belt over your stomach during an accident can cause serious damage to a fetus.
- Never place the shoulder strap behind your back or under your arm. Instead, place it across your chest between your breasts.
- Tilt your seat backward and move it as far back from dashboard or steering wheel as possible without hindering your ability to drive. This will create extra room between you and the steering wheel, dashboard, and airbags.
- Never turn off airbags.
- If you are in a crash – no matter how severe – consult a doctor immediately.
- Prepare your baby for future car rides by purchasing a car seat before he or she is born.
When used properly, seat belts save lives and lower the risk of injury to a mother-to-be and her baby. By taking a little extra caution today, you can help establish a healthy and happy lifestyle for years to come.
For more information on National Child Passenger Safety Week please visit: www.nhtsa.gov/childps/planner2009.
