QUESTION: Should I turn off the airbag? Need more help? Contact us. FRONT COVER MAIN TITLE: Should pregnant women wear seat belts?
ANSWER: No. Doctors recommend that pregnant women wear seat belts and leave the air bag switch on; they work together to protect both the mother and the unborn baby in a crash.
For more information about child safety seats, booster seats, inspection/fitting stations in your area, seat belts, air bags, and other highway safety issues, call the DOT Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) or visit our website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov
FRONT COVER SUBTITLE: Answers to an expectant mother's common questions about traffic safety. Pregnant woman wearing seat belts correctly in car.
QUESTION: Should I adjust my seat?
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Yes. You should move the front seat as far back as possible. Your breastbone should be at least 10 inches from the steering wheel or dashboard. As your abdomen grows during pregnancy, move the seat back to keep as much distance as possible while still allowing a driver to reach the pedals.
Thanks to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition for their review and input for this brochure.
DOT HS 809 506 September 2002