Effects of seat belts worn by pregnant drivers during low-impact collisions.

Motozawa, Yasuki; Hitosugi, Masahito; Abe, Takeshi; Tokudome, Shogo · Am J Obstet Gynecol · 2010

biomechanical · Level V

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand the injury mechanisms of pregnant drivers and associated fetal outcomes. Frontal and rear impact tests using a dummy representing the anthropometry of a pregnant woman were conducted. In frontal impact tests without a seat belt, abdominal pressure peaked at the point where the dummy contacted the steering wheel. Rear impact tests without a seat belt showed that the dummy moved forward because of rebound and contacted the steering wheel, which was avoided when a seat belt was worn. Wearing a seat belt reduces abdominal pressure or prevents contact with the steering wheel during collisions.

Medical subject headings