What is the purpose of a seatbelt?

The primary purpose of a seatbelt is to reduce the risk of injury during a crash. When a vehicle collides with another object or comes to a sudden stop, the laws of physics dictate that the occupants of the vehicle will continue moving at the same speed as the vehicle unless they are restrained. A seatbelt acts as a safety feature that secures the occupant to the seat, preventing them from being thrown forward or ejected from the vehicle. This restraint significantly decreases the chances of severe injuries, such as head trauma or other internal injuries, which can occur in a collision.

In addition to protecting occupants during a crash, wearing a seatbelt is also required by law in many jurisdictions, underscoring its importance in promoting safety on the road. While comfort may be a secondary benefit, and other options suggest functions that are unrelated to the primary safety purpose of a seatbelt, its effectiveness in mitigating injury risk is well-documented in traffic safety studies.