Pregnant Motorists and Seatbelt Safety
Posted by: Christopher Hoffmann
February 24, 2009
Topic: Car Accidents
One of the most common questions pregnant motorists ask is whether it is safe to wear a seatbelt. The answer is most definitely yes.
According to a University of Michigan study, the deaths of approximately 200 unborn children could have been avoided if the mother had been wearing a seatbelt. The study's researchers reviewed data from 57 crashes and concluded that seatbelts could have prevents serious or deadly fetal injuries in 84 percent of the crashes.
The study also estimated that approximately 170,000 car crashes each year in the United States involve pregnant women and as many as 370 unborn babies die.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recommends the following for pregnant motorists:
- Always wear a seatbelt.
- Adjust the lap belt across the pelvis and below the belly.
- Place the shoulder strap across the chest.
- Leave the airbag turned on.
- Move the front seat as far back as possible so that the breastbone is at least 10 inches from the steering wheel or dashboard.
The NHTSA warns expectant mothers that they should never place the lap belt across or above the belly and they should never put the shoulder strap behind the back or under the arm.
A serious or catastrophic injury can alter the lives of the family as well as the immediate victim. The whole family is affected by the additional time and expenses required to care for an injured victim, as well as lost income and other contributions.
At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we are sympathetic to your needs and want to help. We understand what you are going through, and we will fight to get you the compensation you need and you deserve for injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident.
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