Congratulations! You’re pregnant, and you want to know if you should buckle up during your pregnancy - even when you’re far along in your term. The answer is a resounding yes.
Buckling up is the single most effective action you can take to protect yourself and your unborn child in a crash.
During a crash, being buckled up helps keep you safe inside your vehicle. If you ride unbuckled, you could be thrown out of your car or collide with other passengers. Seat belts are also the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers.
What about the airbag?
Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them.
In fact, if you don’t wear your seat belt, you could be thrown into a rapidly opening frontal air bag; a movement of such force could injure or even kill you. [See www.safercar.gov for more on air bag safety]
How to ride safely:
Driver:
Passenger:
Seat belt
Secure the lap belt below your belly so that if fits snugly across your hips and pelvic bone. Place the shoulder belt across your chest (between your breasts) and away from your neck. NEVER place the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back. Never place the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm.
General Reminder
Install your car seat at least 3 weeks before your due date and get it checked by a local certified car seat technician. [Find an inspection station near you]