We have all likely heard the jokes about pregnancy brain, but is it true that pregnant women may be more at risk of getting in a car accident in Los Angeleswhile driving? According to the results of a new study, the answer is yes: Pregnant women in their second trimester are at a greater risk of being involved in a car accident.
The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, was based on analysis of the medical records of more than 500,000 women who had delivered a baby. The compared crash risks four years before the baby was born and one year after, finding that during the first trimester, the auto accident rate was about the same as before the pregnancy. However, the risk of a pregnant woman being involved in a car accident increased dramatically (by over 40%) during the second trimester. It is interesting to note that results are comparable to the auto accident rate for individuals with sleep apnea.
Why Are Pregnant Women More Likely to Get in Car Accidents?
While there do not seem to by any scientific reasons to explain why pregnant women in their second trimester are more likely to be involved in an auto accident, speculation abounds. For example, one guess is that the impairment of driving skills could be the result of fatigue during the second trimester. What’s more, morning sickness and stress could also potentially be factors that contribute to a pregnant motorist’s ability to recognize and identify accident risks. Pregnant or not, it is important for all drivers in Los Angeles to drive safely.
If you are pregnant and driving in Los Angeles, it is important to take every possible step to protect yourself and your child. This includes proper seatbelt placement. A major part of the risk of injury to a pregnant woman during an accident comes from incorrect placement of the seatbelt. Make sure that the belt is snug and sits well, just below your abdomen.
If you were involved in a car accident in Los Angeles while pregnant, reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss the potential for recovering financial damages for both yourself and your unborn child.
For more information on the ability to recover for your auto accident injuries, or to discuss your potential car accident claim, contact the aggressive Los Angeles trial lawyers at BIKLAW today.