Tips for driving safely during pregnancy

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15 Jun 2023

Drive safely while pregnant with these expert tips

Pregnancy can be an exciting time for new parents, but it also comes with a unique set of challenges. From dealing with morning sickness to navigating through doctor appointments, moms-to-be have plenty to think about. One of the most important things to consider is a car driving during pregnancy. Being a new parent is stressful enough without worrying about your safety on the road. The following tips can help you stay safe while driving during pregnancy:

How to be safe during pregnancy drives

Here are some car driving tips to keep you safe during pregnancy:

  1. Plan multiple breaks

It is critical that you plan for your trips and provide more time for intervals than you would ordinarily. Add ten to fifteen minutes to your minor excursions and more leisure for long road trips. Have something before you go on the road, and keep some snacks on hand.

  1. Limit distractions

When you are pregnant, you have plenty happening in your mental and physical health. So, make sure you don't have to deal with additional distractions while driving. Leave your smartphone and loudspeaker at home and focus on the drive. Of course, this guidance is applicable even if you are not pregnant.

  1. Position carefully

When you need to drive, shift your seat as backwards as you can. Make sure your breastbone sits a minimum of 10 inches away from the driving wheel. You may utilise pedal extenders to move your feet farther from the wheel. It's only three inches, yet in a mishap, that's a long way.

  1. Buckle up

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests that pregnant women use their safety belts appropriately, with the lap piece "under" their abdomen and over the thighs instead of above the belly.

  1. Tummy shield

There are various items on the market that claim to provide enhanced safety or comfort, but only one has been crashing tested and properly redirects the car's seat belt away from the female tummy. Crash testing demonstrates that the Tummy Shield holds back the lady exactly as well as the safety belt while shielding the belly from damage from the safety belt crossing the pregnancy.

  1. Tilt the wheel

You may be able to recline the driver's side airbag. Move the steering wheel towards your breastbone instead of your belly if possible so that the driver-side airbag does not explode directly into your stomach in case of mishaps.

  1. Car insurance

Having comprehensive car insurance can help you financially recover from any unfortunate event. Also, it is mandatory to have at least third-party liability cover when driving on Indian roads.

Conclusion

As a new parent, the safety of your unborn child should be a top priority. By following these tips, you can make car driving during pregnancy successful without jeopardising your or your baby's health or well-being. Pregnancy is supposed to be a joyful experience—keep it that way by driving safely every day.

If you're driving a car or riding a bike, try to give yourself ample time to arrive at your destination without hurrying; avoid speeding or tailgating other drivers. You'll feel better knowing that you're handling your pregnancy drive in the best way possible.

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Team Kotak GIC

The content of this blog has been created and carefully reviewed by the esteemed team at Kotak General Insurance, with the sole purpose of providing valuable guidance and sharing insights on the importance of general insurance. Our objective is to assist users in making informed decisions when purchasing or renewing insurance policies for their cars, bikes, and health. Our expertly curated information aims to empower our readers with the knowledge they need to protect their valuable assets and financial interests.