Did you know that precautions when getting into a car are not the same when you are pregnant? Have you ever thought about the consequences of the impact of the airbag on your belly?
There are a number of safety tips and measures that FIA Region IV has released for pregnant women and children who, when we respect them, can save lives.
Do not underestimate the risk is essential to take care of us and our children. Here are the recommendations for safe travel.
Pregnant women behind the wheel
- When entering the car, it is recommended that women feel carefully and leave both legs outside, and then incorporate them in the interior of the vehicle, along with the torso in a single simultaneous movement.
- It is extremely necessary to adjust the height of the seat and steering wheel so that, in case of an accident, the airbag does not go towards the belly.
- It is recommended to move the seat back as far as possible, as long as the driving posture is comfortable to reduce the impact of the airbag.
- It is recommended to travel in comfortable and loose clothing and to avoid the use of coats that limit the operation of the seat belt.
- Keep a distance of approximately 25 cm from the chest with respect to the steering wheel.
- It is vital to use the seat belt so that the lower belt passes through the abdomen and not through the belly, and in turn, adopt a posture upright during the journey.
- If possible, avoid driving for more than 2 hours in a row.
- In the last weeks of gestation, it is recommended not to handle.
How should young children travel by car?
The protection offered by traditional safety belts is not enough to guarantee child safety, since they are designed for adults and do not respect the physical characteristics of the smallest. For this reason, it is necessary to use the SRI (Infant Retention System) that adapts to the weight and height of the children.
There are several types of SRI that differ in size, how they are installed and how they hold the baby (harness or seat belt) but beyond the chosen model, it must always have a technical homologation.
How should pregnant and children travel on motorbikes and / or bicycles?
The only method of protection offered by motorcycles and bicycles is the helmet, so it is extremely important not to perform risky maneuvers or exceed the speed limit.
From the third trimester of pregnancy, it is recommended to avoid these vehicles, because when the belly increases, it is possible that there is an imbalance in the distribution of weight and the appearance of certain pains.
And on public transport?
Pregnant women and young children should not only have special care in public transport, but also have rights that protect them:
- They have priority, so you have to climb first without queuing.
- Applying for the seat is your right.
- It is recommended that they sit in seats that are in the opposite direction of the march, as this will dampen the sudden braking by the vehicle.
- Avoid sitting on cross-sectional seats.
Prevent the descent with sufficient time to avoid tripping or pushing.
Care, prevention and safety, save lives. If you are the driver of the car, it is your responsibility to ensure that all passengers are safe. Before tightening the throttle, check it.