Pregnant drivers in Australia lack key information on correct seatbelt use

A study from the Monash University Accident Research Center (MUARC) examining seatbelt use among pregnant drivers in Australia highlights significant concerns about incorrect positioning and the impact on safety.

The research has raised awareness about the need for improved public health messaging and better guidance on how pregnant occupants should wear their seatbelts while traveling in a motor vehicle, which is crucial for both maternal and fetal safety during the event of a motor vehicle crash.

Although nearly all 1,491 participants reported always wearing their seatbelt while driving (99.1%), the study found that only 41.4% of participants met the correct seatbelt positioning criteria. Correct positioning includes ensuring the lap belt is placed under the belly and low over the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt positioned between the breasts.

The research also revealed that while many pregnant drivers experienced increased discomfort as the pregnancy progressed, discomfort was not significantly linked to incorrect seatbelt positioning.

Most participants (87.7%) had not received information about the importance of correct seatbelt use during pregnancy. Those who had received such information demonstrated better knowledge (96.2% vs. 90.5%) and were more likely to meet the criteria for correct seatbelt positioning (56.8% vs. 39.3%).

Associate Professor Sjaan Koppel, lead author of the study published in the Journal of Safety Research and head of the Behavioral Science team, which sits within the Monash University Accident Research Center (MUARC), said the findings highlight an opportunity to further educate pregnant occupants on how to remain safe when pregnant.

“This study underscores a significant gap in correct seatbelt positioning among pregnant drivers. Despite the clear safety benefits of correct seatbelt use, the majority of pregnant occupants were not positioning their seatbelt correctly,” said Associate Professor Koppel.

“This gap highlights the critical need for targeted education and support from health care providers to ensure the safety of both pregnant individuals and their unborn children. It’s clear that providing accurate, accessible information about seatbelt use during pregnancy can have a significant impact on improving safety practices.”

“Public health campaigns should be tailored to raise awareness of the importance of seatbelt positioning, and further research is necessary to explore effective strategies for improving knowledge and comfort, as well as investigating potential vehicle and seatbelt design improvements to enhance safety,” said Associate Professor Koppel.