The Maternity Seat Belt

Here’s something that you don’t hear about everyday, but it should definitely be on the forefront of automotive research and safety – the maternity seatbelt for pregnant female drivers.  Current technology provides attachments for current 3 point seat belts that is supposed to add cushioning and support.  The problem with this is just that – it is a three point seat belt system which places undue stress on the shoulder, lap and hips.  None of these maternity seat belt concepts have received rave reviews from consumer and driving safety experts like the Institute for Highway Driving Safety. 

Currently there are a few maternity seat belt attachments and devices out there and some make some very huge safety claims on their websites, but when researching the automotive safety experts none were found to be recommended above another and none had actual backing from noted safety groups. 

Then steps in Dr. Gunther in Sweden.  His research into the maternity seat belt has actually drawn marked similarities to both a racing car harness and animal restraint systems.  According to Dr. Gunther, “safety is the goal and controlled restraint is the key.  Our system will assign the jarring motion and impact away from the danger zone of the belly and instead spread it out around areas like the shoulders, upper legs and hips.  It will also keep pregnant women in a more correct sitting position and hold them in their seat better and longer.”

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The design, albeit looking rather modern and strange seems to be very promising.  Any device that promises to increase safety in frontal, rear and side impact zones for both the passenger and the unborn child is a welcome idea.  It is important to note that Dr. Gunther and his research have not yet received approval for human testing and being in its early stages, there is still much to be studied and possibly reworked.  Dr. Gunther’s maternity seat belt is, however, a promising work of art and a breath of fresh air for driving safety advocates everywhere.