What is the primary purpose of seat belts?

The primary purpose of seat belts is to reduce the risk of injury in a crash. When a vehicle is involved in an accident, the forces acting on the body can be extremely powerful. Seat belts are designed to secure occupants in their seats, preventing them from being thrown forward or around the cabin, which can lead to severe injuries.

In addition to keeping passengers in their seats, which is one of the functions of a seat belt, the primary function focuses on minimizing harm by distributing the forces of a collision over the stronger parts of the body, such as the chest and pelvis, and helping to control body motion during the impact. This significantly lowers the chances of serious injuries by preventing occupants from hitting the interior surfaces of the vehicle or being ejected from it in severe collisions.

While comfort is a factor in vehicle design, it does not align with the fundamental goal of seat belts, which is safety. Therefore, the main focus remains on the protective benefits they offer during a crash situation.