Evaluation of seatbelt use among pregnant women in Sweden

Paper in proceeding, 2023

A digital questionnaire was distributed through social media targeting women who were or had been pregnant. The primary objective was to investigate self-reported seatbelt use and misuse during pregnancy. The second objective was to study if, and to which extent, women had received information regarding seatbelt use and how to wear it during pregnancy.

The survey of 2,030 women who were or had been pregnant showed a total seatbelt wearing rate of 99%. However, 39% were wearing the seatbelt wrongly. In 35% of cases, the shoulder section of the seatbelt was incorrectly positioned, and the lap section of the seatbelt in 8% of cases. In 4% of cases, both the shoulder and lap belt parts of the seatbelt were incorrectly positioned.

The majority (66%) had not received any information regarding proper seatbelt use during pregnancy. Of the 700 women (34%) who had received information, most of them had actively sought out information about how the seatbelt should be worn during pregnancy. This subgroup had significantly lower misuse rate, although a third of the group wore the seatbelt incorrectly. Very few (6%), had received information via a health care provider.

Present data highlight the need for improved seatbelt fit for pregnant women. The result from the survey shows that misuse was lower among the women whom actively searched for information regarding how to wear the seatbelt. To reach other user groups, it should be a priority for several stakeholders to communicate information regarding proper seatbelt use during pregnancy.