Citation

Motozawa Y, Hitosugi M, Abe T, Tokudome S. Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 2010; 203(1): 62.e1-628.

Affiliation

Department of Legal Medicine, Tochigi, Japan; Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, and Honda R&D Co, Ltd Tochigi, Japan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ajog.2010.02.047

PMID

20435292

Abstract

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.

Language: en