What is the primary purpose of seat belts?

The primary purpose of seat belts is to keep occupants securely in their seats and reduce injury during a collision. When a vehicle experiences a sudden stop or a crash, the force of the impact can throw unrestrained passengers forward or ejected from the vehicle. Seat belts are designed to hold occupants in place, minimizing the risk of severe injuries by distributing the force of impact across the stronger parts of the body.

Additionally, seat belts can help prevent secondary collisions within the vehicle, such as hitting the dashboard or other passengers. This protective function is crucial for both drivers and passengers, highlighting the importance of using seat belts at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

While comfort, cleanliness, and posture may be considerations in a vehicle's design and operation, they are secondary to the primary safety objective that seat belts serve.