What is the purpose of wearing a seatbelt?

The primary purpose of wearing a seatbelt is to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Seatbelts are designed to secure occupants in their seats during a collision, preventing them from being thrown from the vehicle or impacting other parts of the car's interior. In high-impact situations, such as sudden stops or collisions, a seatbelt can significantly minimize the risk of serious injuries, including head trauma and internal injuries, by restraining the body and distributing the force of a crash over larger, stronger parts of the body.

Wearing a seatbelt also plays a critical role in overall vehicle safety statistics, as their use contributes to lower fatality and injury rates among drivers and passengers. This fact reinforces the seatbelt’s importance beyond mere compliance with regulations or the avoidance of penalties, emphasizing the life-saving benefits they provide in real-world driving situations.