A new study has found an alarming rate of accidents among new mothers and other driving habits that could put both themselves and their babies at risk.
Fox News is reporting that the new survey, conducted by American Baby and Safe Kids Worldwide found that distracted driving was very prevalent among new moms. Even though the majority of mothers polled said they were trying to be more cautious in their driving habits since giving birth, their answers to other survey questions implied just the opposite.
“In short, new moms are driving while fatigued (sleeping an average of 5 hours, 20 minutes per night), not paying attention to the speed limit, turning around to tend to the baby, three out of four moms are using their phones to text or call or read messages or emails, and doing other kinds of distracted behavior – all with baby on board,” Fox reports.
Even more alarming is that almost 10 percent of new moms surveyed had had an accident with their baby while driving – a rate nearly three times that of the general population.
Several experts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Parents Magazine, and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, suggested the following tips for new moms:
• Keep your eyes on the road at all times.
• Never text, check e-mail or take calls while driving.
• Pick the right time to run errands with baby, such as after a nap or when the child is not prone to be cranky and crying.
• Don’t eat or drink behind the wheel
• Don’t turn around to tend the baby; pull off the road if necessary.
• Let someone watch the baby while you run errands.
• Get more sleep at night.
“Bottom line: Having a new baby is an exciting time, an opportunity for new mom and baby to grow together and share love and meaningful experiences,” Fox advises. “Part of the responsibility of a new parent to this child is to exercise caution and use good judgment when driving with baby in the car.”
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