FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-68/24

Title and Subtitle: Impact injury to the pregnant female and fetus in lap belt restraint

Report Date: December 1968

Authors: Snyder RG, Snow CC, Crosby WM, Hanson P, Fineg J, Chandler R

Abstract: Although it has been well established that the lap (seat) belt offers considerable protection against injury or death in crash environments, there has long been controversy over the injury potential to the pregnant female. This question is of importance in consideration of restraint and seat protective environments for both aircraft and automotive vehicles. Most of the 4 million pregnant women per year in the United States travel by automobile, with a large number traveling by Commercial Civil Aircraft or the Military Air Transport Service. Thus a sizeable population is involved.

Key Words: Pregnancy, safety belts, crash injuries, simulation, acceleration, impact tests, aviation accidents, embryos, deceleration, motor vehcile accidents

No. of Pages: 12