Risk of Car Accident for Pregnant Women
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal brings attention to the increased risk of a car accident for pregnant women.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal abstract states that “pregnancy causes diverse physiologic and lifestyle changes that may contribute to increased driving and driving error.” The journal states that the researcher compared the risk of a serious car accident during the second trimester of pregnancy to the baseline risk of a car accident before pregnancy.
Pregnancy and Car Accidents
The study was conducted between 2006 and 2011, including a population of women who gave birth in Ontario. The study’s primary outcome was a car accident that resulted in a visit to the emergency room.
Of the 507,262 women who had children during the period of time that was studied, the women accounted for:
- 6,922 motor vehicle crashes as drivers during the study’s 3-year baseline interval (177 per month)
- 757 motor vehicle crashes as drivers during the second trimester of pregnancy (252 per month; 42% increase)
- An increased risk of diverse populations, obstetrics, and car accident factors
- The study’s interpretation, as presented in the Canadian Medical Association Journal is that “pregnancy is associated with a substantial risk of a serious motor vehicle crash during the second trimester. This risk merits attention for prenatal care.
Car Accident Attorney
The information presented in this study is new and the lawyers at our law office are sure that follow-up studies will be conducted to find supporting information.
The personal injury lawyers at our law office help victims of car accidents who were injured due to the fault of another individual. If an accident was caused by another individual and someone suffers injury as a result, they may have a personal injury claim that a car accident attorney can help them with. Those injured in accidents are able to seek compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, and other things that the accident has caused (lost wages, time off work, etc.).
