What is the primary purpose of seat belts?

The primary purpose of seat belts is to reduce the risk of injury in an accident. When a vehicle is involved in a crash, the forces at play can be severe, and without seat belts, occupants can be thrown from their seats, leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Seat belts are designed to keep passengers securely in their seats, which significantly improves their chances of remaining safely within the vehicle's protective structure during a collision.

By restraining the body, seat belts help to distribute crash forces more evenly and prevent the body from moving excessively, which can lead to injuries from impacts with interior parts of the vehicle. Additionally, they help in reducing the risk of ejection from the vehicle, which is a common cause of severe injuries in crashes. This fundamental safety feature is a key element in vehicle safety design and has been proven to save lives and reduce the severity of injuries in accidents.