General practitioners knowledge of and attitudes to the use of seat belts in pregnancy

This study was designed to look at General Practitioner's knowledge of and attitudes to the use of seat belts in pregnancy. It has been shown that correct seat belt use does significantly reduce both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality following RTAs. However, seat belts are infrequently and often incorrectly utilised by women during pregnancy. Passenger safety education is essential. General Practitioners in Ireland are in a prime position to provide this education in early pregnancy. A postal questionnaire was sent to all members of ICGP (n = 1,780). The results show that 70% of GPs are aware that women are obliged by law to use a seat belt while pregnant, and a similar number felt the subject of passenger safety education is an important medical issue. 75% feel women should wear seat belts in third trimester. However, only 30% provide regular advice and less than 50% indicated that they are aware of the correct advice to give. Also GPs are not asked by their pregnant patients for advice. There is no statistically significant difference between male and female GPs. GPs have the opportunity to and so should provide passenger safety advice. This advice must be accurate and safe.