Most pregnant Australians are not advised on the correct way to wear seatbelts in vehicles, with more than 40 percent increasing the risk of harm to themselves and their unborn child.
Associate Professor Sjaan Koppel, from the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), said a study had examined seatbelt use among pregnant drivers in Australia, highlighting significant concerns about incorrect positioning and its impact on safety.
Associate Professor Koppel said there was a need for improved public health messaging and better guidance on how pregnant occupants should wear their seatbelts while travelling in a motor vehicle, which was crucial for both maternal and fetal safety in the case of a crash.
“While nearly all (study) participants reported always wearing their seatbelt while driving, the study found that only 41.4 percent met the correct seatbelt positioning criteria,” she said.
Associate Professor Koppel said correct positioning included ensuring the lap belt was placed under the belly and low over the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt positioned between the breasts.
She said most participants (87.7 percent) had not received information about the importance of correct seatbelt use during pregnancy.
“Those who had received such information demonstrated better knowledge and were more likely to meet the criteria for correct seatbelt positioning.”
Associate Professor Koppe said the findings highlighted an opportunity to further educate pregnant occupants on how to remain safe when pregnant.
“This study underscores a significant gap in correct seatbelt positioning among pregnant drivers. Despite the clear safety benefits of correct seatbelt use, the majority of pregnant occupants were not positioning their seatbelt correctly.
“This gap highlights the critical need for targeted education and support from healthcare providers to ensure the safety of both pregnant individuals and their unborn children.”
Read the full study: Assessing seatbelt use among pregnant drivers in Australia: Correct seatbelt positioning, discomfort, knowledge and information sources.
