OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to understand the injury mechanisms of pregnant drivers and associated fetal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Frontal and rear impact tests using a dummy representing the anthropometry of a pregnant woman were conducted. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: Wearing a seat belt reduces abdominal pressure or prevents contact with the steering wheel during collisions. Copyright (c) 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to understand the injury mechanisms of pregnant drivers and associated fetal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Frontal and rear impact tests using a dummy representing the anthropometry of a pregnant woman were conducted. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: Wearing a seat belt reduces abdominal pressure or prevents contact with the steering wheel during collisions. Copyright (c) 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.