Seat Belt Safety

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for Americans from birth to 34 years of age.

Part of being a responsible parent is to protect yourself and your baby - both before and after birth - by using safety belts and seats.  Make sure to wear you safety belt and use a safety seat for your baby every time you get into a motor vehicle.

Have a safe ride!!!

Seat Belt Safety:  Some women are afraid to use safety belts while they are pregnant.  They fear that in an auto crash, a safety belt may harm the mother and the fetus, rather than keeping them safe.  In reality, both you and your baby are far less likely to be harmed if you use your seat belt correctly.

The leading cause of fetal death in a motor vehicle crash is death of the mother.  Fetal injury is closely related to the cause of injury to the mother.  Pregnant women who wear safety belts suffer fewer injuries and death than those who do not wear them.

For the best protection, you should wear a lap-shoulder belt every time you travel in a car or truck.  This type of belt will keep you in the vehicle and prevent your head and chest from striking the steering wheel, dashboard or windshield.  A lap belt will protect your lower torso and will help to keep you from being thrown from the vehicle.

Place the lower part of the lap-shoulder belt under your abdominal bulge, as low on your hips as possible, and against your upper thighs.  Never place the belt above your abdomen, as this could cause major injuries in a crash.  Position the upper part of the belt between the breasts (although usually injury is minor or absent if a breast is pressed in by the belt during a collision).  Adjust both the upper and lower parts of the lap-shoulder belt as snugly as possible.

You should adjust your position in the seat so that the belt crosses your shoulder without chafing your neck.  Never slip the upper part of the belt off your shoulder.  Safety belts worn too loosely or too high on the abdomen can cause broken ribs or injuries to your abdomen.  More damage is caused when they are not used at all.

Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004