Car Safety Studies Target Pregnant Women

Posted on December 29, 2009 in Consumer Goods, Health & Medicine, Technology, Women's Health

Researchers are hoping to make car travel safer for pregnant women in order to prevent fetal deaths. A computer-aided model of pregnant drivers and passengers is being designed to help develop better crash-protection features in vehicles.

In the past, scientists have focused on protecting infants and children in safety seats. But the Virginia-Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences has recently completed a three-year research project about the tissue composition and dimensions of pregnant women and their fetuses. The new data will help researchers develop restraint systems that prevent typical injuries.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safeway Administration, auto accidents are the single largest cause of death for pregnant women. Before changes to vehicles go into effect, automakers plan to highlight safety precautions pregnant women can take. For example, Ford’s 2011 safety manuals will specifically instruct expectant mothers on seat belt safety.