Greetings!
Dale Stork, the Rescue Captain of Waterloo Fire and Rescue, responded to the last Chronicle. Dale says that the intersection described in the Chronicle is in his district and his group responded to both fatalities at this intersection as well as many others. He believes that if each of these people had been wearing safety belts, the outcomes would have been different.
Dale has responded to 10 fatalities in his 5 years in the department. 7 of those fatalities were not belted and he feels that if safety belts had been used, 4 of those people would have survived with very minor injuries.
We're all dependent on the great work our Fire and Rescue personnel do. Dale is obviously an expert with personal experience in responding to the consequences of crashes. He reiterates our goal; "Keep up the good work, spreading the word on seat belts."
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Should pregnant women wear safety belts? |
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by Danielle Knudson
Friday the 13th is a notorious "bad luck" day for many. This past one was for me as I was involved in a minor car crash. The weather in Omaha was terrible which resulted in a pick-up truck sliding into the passenger side of our vehicle, where I was sitting. It was a minor collision with the vehicle damage amounting to the most severe injuries. However, being that I am 7 months pregnant, we did not hesitate to make a trip to the hospital to ensure the baby's health. Baby was monitored for a few hours in the maternity department and was determined to be just fine. My only injuries were three broken fingernails, caused by digging into the car handle as I watched the Ford F-150 approach my door. Baby and I were kept safe by the belt which reminded me to pass on some important tips for other pregnant women out there. Wearing your safety belt is always a must, but with pregnancy there are some important tips to ensure you and baby remain safe.
According to the NHTSA, pregnant women should always buckle up. They state that in a crash, seat belts are the best protection for you and your unborn child.
To unsure proper protection for the baby and mother follow these tips from the NHTSA:
· Never place the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm.
· Adjust the lap belt across your hips/pelvis, and below your belly.
· Place the shoulder belt across your chest (between your breasts) and away from your neck.
· NEVER place the lap belt above or on your belly.
Pregnant women should also move the seat as far back a possible when riding or driving in a vehicle. Your breastbone should be at least 10 inches from the steering wheel or dashboard. As your belly grows during pregnancy, move the seat back to keep as much distance as possible while still allowing a safe reach of the pedals.
Should pregnant women wear safety belts?
If you or someone you care about is pregnant, pass on these important reminders to ensure they always come home safe.
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February is Health Fair Month! |
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Click It was invited to multiple health fairs during February. Safety Belts are a foundation of wellness! If you need help spreading that message, invite Click It to your next health event! |
