What is the primary purpose of wearing a seatbelt?

The primary purpose of wearing a seatbelt is to protect occupants during a crash. Seatbelts are designed to secure the passenger in their seat, minimizing the risk of injury by preventing ejection from the vehicle and reducing movement during a collision. In the event of an accident, a properly worn seatbelt can significantly lessen the severity of injuries by keeping the occupant's body positioned in a way that can absorb the impact more safely.

Wearing a seatbelt effectively helps to distribute the forces of a crash over the strongest parts of the body, such as the chest and pelvis, rather than allowing the person to fly forward unrestrained into the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield, which can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. The importance of seatbelt use is backed by extensive research and data, showing that they are one of the most effective safety devices in vehicles, dramatically improving the chances of survival in a crash.