Driving comes with a certain level of risk, but even more so when you’re pregnant. Depending on how far into the pregnancy a woman is, she may have far less mobility or range of motion than someone who isn’t pregnant. To make matters worse, pregnancy also makes women feel more sleepy and fatigued, something that often makes driving more dangerous. Unfortunately, these hindrances while pregnant cannot be avoided. And now more than ever, more and more pregnant women are on the road driving back and forth to their jobs because they tend to work late into their pregnancies. Fortunately, there are a few safety measures that you can take to help foster a safer, more comfortable driving experience.
Fiddling with radio dials, looking at your phone, and having your attention on anything other than the road is dangerous for any driver, pregnant or not. It’s always important to avoid distractions while driving and to be aware of your surroundings. Paying attention to traffic and potential pedestrians around you can help you avoid accidents. It’s also important to be mindful of the weather. If the roads are icy or snow-covered, use common sense and better judgment when driving. This may include driving at slower speeds than normal and keeping more space between your car and other drivers.
While many pregnant women may believe that wearing a seatbelt could be harmful to their unborn child, it is important to recognize this belief as false. It’s a harmful, common misconception that could end up having fatal consequences for the mother and child in the event of an accident. Unless mothers purchase and install a maternity seat belt, they should continue to wear the standard seatbelt, even if they are uncomfortable. To ensure the seatbelt is being worn properly, pregnant women should always make sure to buckle the belt below their belly. Additionally, the shoulder belt should always be between their breasts, not tucked behind them.
One of the big tips that will make driving a bit more comfortable while pregnant is to make sure you are seated comfortably before driving. This could involve moving the seat further back to accommodate your growing belly or adjusting the steering wheel to a more comfortable height. When adjusting the steering wheel, try to face it towards your breastbone instead of your belly. Doing this will help ensure the airbag won’t hit your belly during a potential collision.
When you’re in an auto accident while pregnant, it’s extremely important to seek medical attention, not only for yourself but also for your unborn child. At the hospital, a doctor can check on the baby while ensuring you receive any necessary care or treatment for injuries you might have. According to a study by the University of Michigan, an estimated 170,000 pregnant women are involved in auto accidents each year. While many of those women never suffer any major or tragic injuries, others go on to experience pregnancy complications, including miscarriage. Seeking prompt medical attention after an auto accident can prevent these complications from happening.
These are just a few tips to keep in mind when you’re driving while pregnant. Following them will help to make driving more comfortable and safer for everyone involved. If you are involved in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact the skilled San Jose car accident attorneys at the Solution Now Law Firm for help with your case.
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