How can a passenger determine if the seatbelt is properly used?

The correct approach to determining if a seatbelt is properly used focuses on its position and snugness. A seatbelt should cross over the sternum and be snugly positioned across the lap. This ensures that in the event of a sudden stop or collision, the seatbelt will effectively restrain the passenger, distributing the force of impact across the stronger parts of the body. This proper positioning minimizes the risk of injury.

While some may think that a clicking sound indicates a correct fastening (as noted in the first option), that alone doesn’t guarantee proper seatbelt placement. A loosely draped seatbelt across the lap, which is indicated in another choice, fails to provide adequate restraint and can lead to serious injury. Lastly, while a tight seatbelt can be good for security, if it is excessively tight, it may cause discomfort and could potentially lead to injury upon impact. Therefore, the ideal scenario is for the seatbelt to be snug but not overly tight, achieving a balance between safety and comfort.