Are you pregnant and tired of the traffic chaos? Do you wish to go to appointments without being worried about getting into a potentially fatal accident? Well, dear mother-to-be, have you heard of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes?

HOV lanes are typically reserved for vehicles carrying two or more passengers during peak traffic hours. However, various states in the US have recognized the need for pregnant women to use these exclusive lanes when driving alone.

Statistics show that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality, most notably during pregnancy complications. The use of HOV lanes for pregnant women can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, providing an extra layer of protection for both mothers and their unborn children.

Additionally, preggers can often experience discomfort due to extended periods of sitting in traffic in their final trimester. High stress and lower back pain caused by prolonged sitting aggravate pregnant women, increasing the probability of preterm labor. HOV lanes offer a faster and smoother ride which provides smooth accessibility to medical facilities in cases of emergency.

Moreover, state laws provide a fine if an unauthorized person uses an HOV lane meant only for those eligible. However, the sudden need to visit a hospital can arise anytime and there won't always be a support person available to accompany you. Therefore, states such as California and Georgia permit single occupancy vehicles for the sole use of pregnant women on designated HOV lanes.

The implementation of HOV lanes for pregnant women has delivered tremendous results by creating a safer and more comfortable journey. Hence every state needs to fall in line and enact the rule so our mothers-to-be can have safer mobility.

So, do yourself a favor and make sure to check the authorized lanes in your area before hitting the road. Every expectant mother deserves a safe and comfortable journey.