Campaign urges pregnant mums to belt-up

A new campaign has been launched in County Mayo, Ireland to warn mums-to-be of the dangers of driving without a seatbelt.

The campaign is in response to a number of pregnant women being admitted to Mayo General Hospital following road traffic accidents.

The campaign cites a recent UK study which revealed that 21% of pregnant women don’t use seatbelts as they either find them uncomfortable or are afraid of the damage it might cause their unborn baby.

However, the research also shows that pregnant women who wear a seatbelt reduce by 84% the risk of their unborn baby being killed or experiencing other serious complications, as a result of a collision, when compared to women who do not use seatbelts.

Noel Gibbons, Mayo Council ‘s RSO, said: “I hope this campaign will dispel once and for all the ‘myth’ that wearing a seatbelt is harmful for the foetus.

“Women radically overhaul their lifestyles to ensure they have a healthy pregnancy, yet by failing to belt-up many are putting their own lives and those of their unborn babies in jeopardy.”

For more information contact Noel Gibbons on 0877870055.