Driving When Pregnant
Your main concern is to keep your unborn child as safe as possible, and the best way of doing that is to always wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts are proven to save lives and dramatically reduce injuries. Even on a short and familiar journey travelling at low speed, you will put yourself and your baby at huge risk if you don’t wear a seatbelt.
Top Tip
It’s useful to know that despite what many people think, the law doesn’t exempt pregnant women from wearing seatbelts.
How to wear your seatbelt
- Secure the lap belt as low as possible over your hips and below your bump. Top Tip: Do not put the lap belt across your bump.
- Position the shoulder belt snugly between your breasts and to the side of your bump. Top Tip: Do not put the shoulder belt across your bump, under your arm or behind your back.
- If you find the shoulder belt is uncomfortable against your neck, reposition the seat or the belt until you are comfortable.
Top Tip
If you move the seat, make sure your mirror is still in the right position and that you can comfortably reach all the pedals.
Airbags
Never turn off your airbags as they offer additional protection. But remember that they can be dangerous in an accident if you are not wearing your seatbelt properly.
Top Tip
Move your seat as far as possible from the dashboard or steering wheel – but make sure you can still use the mirror and reach the pedals easily.
