Many of these fatalities and injuries could be avoided by wearing a seat belt. No matter how big your belly becomes, the seat belt will fit and do its job if the car stops suddenly. Use the shoulder strap if there is one. It should go across your chest between your breasts. Wear a seat belt regardless of where you are sitting in the car or how long the trip is.
Many accidents occur on side streets just blocks from home.
If you follow these simple guidelines, you and your baby will be properly secured. Direct damage to the baby in an auto accident is quite rare if the mother has been properly restrained. Some people, pregnant or not, refuse to wear seat belts because they believe if they are involved in an accident they will be trapped in the car. The fact is, if you're not wearing a seat belt, you are far more likely to die from being thrown out of the car than from being trapped inside it. If you are in an auto accident, especially if you are at least six months pregnant, tell the police or emergency medical personnel that you are pregnant.