What is the primary purpose of a seatbelt?

The primary purpose of a seatbelt is to secure occupants and minimize injury during a collision. Seatbelts are designed to restrain the occupants of a vehicle in their seats, preventing them from being thrown forward or ejected from the vehicle in the event of a crash. By keeping individuals anchored in place, seatbelts effectively reduce the risk of severe injuries or fatalities that could occur from sudden stops or impacts.

When a vehicle is involved in a collision, the sudden deceleration can exert tremendous forces on the body. A properly worn seatbelt distributes these forces across the stronger parts of a person's body (like the pelvis and ribcage) and can significantly mitigate the impact on vulnerable areas (like the head and neck). This crucial function underscores the importance of wearing seatbelts for all occupants in the vehicle, reinforcing their role as a fundamental safety feature in automotive design.