5 Car Safety Tips for Pregnant Drivers

Feb 21, 2012 by admin

Driving can be done safely while you are pregnant, even though there are some additional safety issues to consider. The biggest dangers to an unborn baby during a car accident are the steering wheel and the force of the jolt the mom receives during the collision.

Using seatbelts while pregnant is still the best way to keep your baby safe.

If the pregnant woman shifts in her seat too forcefully, the placenta can separate from the uterus. Improperly placed seat belts can cut into vulnerable soft tissues during impact, as well. A few simple tips can help you stay safe behind the wheel, no matter how far along your pregnancy is.

1. Position Seat Belts Against Bony Section of Pelvis – It can be tempting to let the lap belt slide up and away from your legs while you are pregnant. Even though it may not be as comfortable, it is extremely important to keep the lap belt down under your baby bump when you drive. The belt holds you back when forces try to push you forward. If the belt is positioned properly, it will apply all of its pressure against the hard bones of your pelvis.

2. Sit Back From the Steering Wheel - The further you are from the steering wheel, the less damage you might receive in a car accident. Even a few inches can make a huge difference in a collision. You can buy special extenders for the car’s pedals that allow you to operate the car from further back than you would normally sit. Make sure you can still comfortably reach the steering wheel and see through all of the windows with the seat pushed back. The pedal extenders might take a little practice before you take them out on busy streets.

3. Wear the Shoulder Belt Properly - The shoulder belt can sometimes slip up near your throat or down over your pregnant belly. Try to keep it positioned between your breasts where it will transfer the force of an accident across your breastbone. Letting it slide too far up or down can cause more damage to you or your unborn child.

4. Reduce Distractions - It is well documented that pregnancy can cause you to become distracted more easily. If you plan to drive, you need to get rid of things that will draw your attention away from the road. Don’t take your cell phone out of your purse while you’re behind the wheel. Let someone else change the channels on the radio. Wait until you get to your destination before you start eating the french fries you just picked up for lunch. If you make a concentrated effort to keep your focus on defensive driving techniques, you will be safer every time you drive.

5. Recognize Signs of Fatigue - Pregnancy can cause you to become tired much faster than you did when you were not pregnant. If you’re overly fatigued, you might not be as alert behind the wheel as you ought to be. Realistically gauge your level of exhaustion before you get in the car. If you’re too tired to concentrate, ask someone else to drive or wait until you’re feeling a little more energetic.

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