Study reveals dangerous pregnancy car trend
New research from NRMA has revealed the shocking truth around the use of seatbelts during pregnancyThe News?
Fresh data from the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) has revealed around 25 per cent of pregnant women don’t buckle up every time they travel, citing discomfort and safety concerns as key factors.
The Key Details
- One-in-four pregnant women admit they don’t use a seatbelt every time they travel
- Most say it’s uncomfortable (35%)
- Others claim its unsafe for them (33%) or unsafe for their baby (33%)
- Safety experts say more information and guidance needs to be provided to women
The Finer Details?
According to the NRMA, around two-thirds of women say they hadn’t received any information on the correct use of a seatbelt during pregnancy.
Safety experts from the motoring body say a seatbelt can only save the life of a mother and baby in a crash if it’s worn correctly.
The research shows a clear need for better education, with around 76 per cent of those surveyed failing to identify the correct shoulder sash position when shown an image.
"It is clear from this research that too many pregnant women are not always wearing a seatbelt and what worries the NRMA is that many mothers think that a seatbelt could harm them or their babies – we need to dispel this myth urgently,” said NRMA safety expert Dimitra Vlahomitros.
“Our community needs to provide women with more information around how they comfortably and correctly use their seatbelts throughout their pregnancy.”
Meanwhile, the NRMA said the use of accessories such as a seatbelt path adjuster is not recommended, with around 34% of participants admitting to using seatbelt accessories to aid discomfort.
“Seatbelt accessories are not regulated and not required to meet any minimum safety standards – we don’t know how they would perform in a crash,” Vlahomitros said.
“As pregnancy progresses and comfort changes, adjustments to the height of the seatbelt, seat position, or steering wheel can make a big difference in improving both comfort and safety while travelling.”
The Road Ahead?
According to the NRMA, during pregnancy, the seatbelt should be fitted with the lap belt under the belly and across the hips.
The shoulder sash should be positioned between the breasts and to the side of the belly and should sit across the middle of the shoulder – not off the shoulder or across the neck. The seatbelt should not be loose or twisted.
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