Correct Use of a Conventional Lap-and-Shoulder Seatbelt Is Safest for Pregnant Rear-Seat Passengers: Proposal for Additional Safety Measures

The objectives of this study were to assess the safety of various methods of seatbelt use and propose safety improvements to the lap-and-shoulder seatbelt for pregnant rear-seat passengers. The Maternal Anthropometric Measurement Apparatus dummy, version 2B, was used. Sled tests were performed to si...

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Main Authors: Arisa Takeda, Ayumu Kuwahara, Marin Takaso, Mami Nakamura, Yasuhito Miyata, Masahito Hitosugi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-08-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/17/8776
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author Arisa Takeda
Ayumu Kuwahara
Marin Takaso
Mami Nakamura
Yasuhito Miyata
Masahito Hitosugi
author_facet Arisa Takeda
Ayumu Kuwahara
Marin Takaso
Mami Nakamura
Yasuhito Miyata
Masahito Hitosugi
author_sort Arisa Takeda
collection DOAJ
description The objectives of this study were to assess the safety of various methods of seatbelt use and propose safety improvements to the lap-and-shoulder seatbelt for pregnant rear-seat passengers. The Maternal Anthropometric Measurement Apparatus dummy, version 2B, was used. Sled tests were performed to simulate frontal impact at a speed of 48 km/h in the right rear seat. Kinematics of the dummy were examined using high-speed video imaging, and time courses of the seatbelt loads and displacement and acceleration of the chest and pelvis were measured during impact. The kinematic parameters were compared under the following conditions: conventional lap-and-shoulder seatbelt used correctly, lap belt crossed over left and right femurs, and lap belt attached to both thighs using an extra restraint device. Then, by applying pretensioner and/or force limiter systems, the safest condition was investigated. Correct conventional seatbelt use was the most effective restraint method. When both pretensioner and force limiter were applied, the kinematic parameters were smallest, and the best restraint was achieved. The safety of rear-seat travel can be improved by using both pretensioner and force limiter systems, which would reduce the risk of chest and abdominal injuries to pregnant passengers and prevent negative fetal outcomes.
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spelling doaj.art-7dfb82130f7f47a28232769baf431ef82023-11-23T12:46:38ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172022-08-011217877610.3390/app12178776Correct Use of a Conventional Lap-and-Shoulder Seatbelt Is Safest for Pregnant Rear-Seat Passengers: Proposal for Additional Safety MeasuresArisa Takeda0Ayumu Kuwahara1Marin Takaso2Mami Nakamura3Yasuhito Miyata4Masahito Hitosugi5Department of Legal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa, Seta, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, JapanDepartment of Legal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa, Seta, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, JapanDepartment of Legal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa, Seta, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, JapanDepartment of Legal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa, Seta, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, JapanJoyson Safety Systems Japan K.K. Echigawa Plant, 658 Echigawa, Aisho-cho 529-1388, Shiga, JapanDepartment of Legal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa, Seta, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, JapanThe objectives of this study were to assess the safety of various methods of seatbelt use and propose safety improvements to the lap-and-shoulder seatbelt for pregnant rear-seat passengers. The Maternal Anthropometric Measurement Apparatus dummy, version 2B, was used. Sled tests were performed to simulate frontal impact at a speed of 48 km/h in the right rear seat. Kinematics of the dummy were examined using high-speed video imaging, and time courses of the seatbelt loads and displacement and acceleration of the chest and pelvis were measured during impact. The kinematic parameters were compared under the following conditions: conventional lap-and-shoulder seatbelt used correctly, lap belt crossed over left and right femurs, and lap belt attached to both thighs using an extra restraint device. Then, by applying pretensioner and/or force limiter systems, the safest condition was investigated. Correct conventional seatbelt use was the most effective restraint method. When both pretensioner and force limiter were applied, the kinematic parameters were smallest, and the best restraint was achieved. The safety of rear-seat travel can be improved by using both pretensioner and force limiter systems, which would reduce the risk of chest and abdominal injuries to pregnant passengers and prevent negative fetal outcomes.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/17/8776safetymotor vehicle collisionrear seatpregnancyfetusseatbelt
spellingShingle Arisa Takeda
Ayumu Kuwahara
Marin Takaso
Mami Nakamura
Yasuhito Miyata
Masahito Hitosugi
Correct Use of a Conventional Lap-and-Shoulder Seatbelt Is Safest for Pregnant Rear-Seat Passengers: Proposal for Additional Safety Measures
Applied Sciences
safety
motor vehicle collision
rear seat
pregnancy
fetus
seatbelt
title Correct Use of a Conventional Lap-and-Shoulder Seatbelt Is Safest for Pregnant Rear-Seat Passengers: Proposal for Additional Safety Measures
title_full Correct Use of a Conventional Lap-and-Shoulder Seatbelt Is Safest for Pregnant Rear-Seat Passengers: Proposal for Additional Safety Measures
title_fullStr Correct Use of a Conventional Lap-and-Shoulder Seatbelt Is Safest for Pregnant Rear-Seat Passengers: Proposal for Additional Safety Measures
title_full_unstemmed Correct Use of a Conventional Lap-and-Shoulder Seatbelt Is Safest for Pregnant Rear-Seat Passengers: Proposal for Additional Safety Measures
title_short Correct Use of a Conventional Lap-and-Shoulder Seatbelt Is Safest for Pregnant Rear-Seat Passengers: Proposal for Additional Safety Measures
title_sort correct use of a conventional lap and shoulder seatbelt is safest for pregnant rear seat passengers proposal for additional safety measures
topic safety
motor vehicle collision
rear seat
pregnancy
fetus
seatbelt
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/17/8776
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