Safety Driving Tips for Expectant Mothers
18 February
2021
Whether it’s your first pregnancy or third, expectant mothers have to avoid things like hot yoga, roller coaster rides, and even certain cleaning products. It’s a long list indeed, and the mother-to-be must make temporary adjustments to ensure her safety and that of her baby.
According to a national study conducted in the U.S., women represented almost half of the workforce in 2019. Plus, even if work isn’t the reason you drive, it’s something that can’t be easily avoided. However, suppose a pregnant woman is involved in a car accident and risks injury to herself and her unborn baby. Luckily, there are many adjustments an expecting mother can make to ensure a safe ride.
Seatbelts
Experts agree that seatbelts are the most effective means to save lives and lessen injuries in car accidents. And everyone, including women who are pregnant, should wear seatbelts.
If you are pregnant, ensuring that your seatbelt is placed correctly can avoid serious injury in the event of a car crash or other accident. An expecting mother should remove a coat or any other bulky clothing that prevents a seat belt from fitting snugly. The lap portion of the belt should rest across the hips or below. You never want the lap portion to go across your lower abdomen because it can cause serious injury if there is an accident or a sudden stop.
Even if uncomfortable, the shoulder strap should always be worn. It should rest in the middle of your chest. It shouldn’t be placed behind you or under your arm.
Proper Vehicle Adjustments
An expecting mother should ensure that she is adequately distanced from the steering wheel. This is especially true if the car has an air bag feature. If an airbag deploys, proper seat positioning ensures that the force doesn’t directly hit the abdomen. Any abdominal trauma sustained in a car accident can lead to severe injury or death of the fetus. For example, placental abruption could alter the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. Or the force can cause a uterine rupture.
Ideally, the driver’s seat should be about 25 cm, or a belly distance away from the steering wheel. Also, the steering wheel should point away from your belly. It should be directed towards the chest.
As your belly grows, your seat adjustments will also change. So, it is essential to position all the mirrors.
Contact a Skilled Attorney
Pregnant women who have been injured in a car accident may have more significant expenses than other car accident victims. That is true because an expectant mother will require more medical attention, especially to monitor the fetus. Also, a mother-to-be might also have increased pain and suffering from worrying about whether her unborn child is healthy. Consulting with an experienced car accident attorney at the Dan Rose Law Firm can help you assess your damages and make the right decisions for you and your family. Call us at 415-946-8900 or visit us online.
Posted in General
February 18th, 2021 by Daniel Rose
Tags: car accident, safe driving