Q: My sister is pregnant, and she says when she is five months along she will stop using her seatbelt. All her friends have done the same in order to protect the baby, and there’s been no problem. My sister points out that she does not drive on the interstate, and won’t travel long distances, so there’s no risk of an accident and injuries. What do you think? A:
I think it is an awful plan and I hope she can be convinced to change her mind.
First, she should know that a study from the University of Michigan found that “unrestrained or improperly restrained pregnant women are 5.7 times more likely to have an adverse fetal outcome than properly restrained pregnant women.” All she has to do is use her restraints properly and she will dramatically improve the odds of coming away from an accident with a better outcome than without her seatbelt.
So if the goal of this crazy plan is to protect the fetus, clearly, it won’t turn out that way.
Second, the fact that she doesn’t travel on interstates or long distances is irrelevant. Most wrecks happen within 25 miles from home, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
I’m sure if she speaks with her physician, she’ll be given the same advice. Her plan will significantly increase the risk to her fetus and to herself.
By the way, if the time comes when it’s hard for her to get the seatbelt around the baby bulge, she can purchase extenders. Q: I heard GM has finally come through with an all-electric vehicle but I can’t find any information. What can you tell me? A:
The Chevrolet Spark EV, its first pure electric vehicle, is a really, really small vehicle that will be sold on the West Coast by summer; other markets will follow later (at times not yet disclosed).
The expected price tag will be $25,000 and will travel 70-ish miles on a charge, maybe a little more. The company promises a complete charge in seven hours with its special 240-volt charger.
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