Seat Belt Use When Expecting

Posted By The Law Offices of Eugene G. Bruno, P.C. Posted in: Car Accident.

It may be more difficult to buckle up in your third trimester of pregnancy, but buckling up protects two lives instead of one. There is never a time when you should not use a seat belt– even during pregnancy. Simply adjust the belt so that it is comfortable but still snug enough to keep you safe. You may wish to – and actually need to – adjust your seat as you get into the later months of the pregnancy.

According to the NHTSA, you should move the front seat back as far from the steering wheel as possible while still being able to safely operate the vehicle. Make sure you can still comfortably reach the pedals but keep at least 10 inches between the center of your chest and the steering wheel. As your abdomen grows during pregnancy, adjust your seat to maintain this 10-inch minimum. Also, do not disable the airbag at any time. It is designed to work WITH your seatbelt – and together they offer maximum protection in the event of an accident.

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