1-in-4 pregnant women admit to not always wearing a seatbelt

The survey of more than 200 women who were currently pregnant or had been pregnant in the last year found that of those who had not worn a seatbelt correctly did so because they believed it was:

• Uncomfortable (35%)
• Unsafe for them (33%); or
• Unsafe for their baby (33%).

Two-thirds of all women had not received any information on the correct use of a seatbelt during pregnancy. Those surveyed said they preferred to get information on seatbelt use from health professionals (32%), the internet (15%) and prenatal and parenting classes (11%).

The need for more information was demonstrated when over three-quarters (76%) of survey participants failed to correctly identify the correct position of the shoulder sash when shown images of seatbelt positioning.

NRMA Road Safety expert, Dimitra Vlahomitros, said the only way a seat belt could save the life of a mother and a baby in a crash was if it was worn correctly.

"It is clear from this research that too many pregnant women are not always wearing a seatbelt and what worries the NRMA is that many mothers think that a seatbelt could harm them or their babies – we need to dispel this myth urgently,” Ms Vlahomitros said.

“Our community needs to provide women with more information around how they comfortably and correctly use their seatbelts throughout their pregnancy.” The NRMA research also found that over one-third (34%) of women admitted to using seatbelt accessories such as a path adjuster because they thought it would improve safety or comfort.

“Seatbelt accessories are not regulated and not required to meet any minimum safety standards – we don’t know how they would perform in a crash,” Ms Vlahomitros said.

“As pregnancy progresses and comfort changes, adjustments to the height of the seatbelt, seat position, or steering wheel can make a big difference in improving both comfort and safety while travelling.”

During pregnancy the seatbelt should be fitted with the lap belt under the belly and across the hips. The shoulder sash should be positioned between the breasts and to the side of the belly and should sit across the middle of the shoulder – not off the shoulder or across the neck. The seatbelt should not be loose or twisted.