What is the purpose of seat belts?

The primary purpose of seat belts is to reduce the risk of injury in a collision. When a vehicle is involved in an accident, the sudden deceleration can cause passengers to be thrown forward due to inertia. Seat belts securely restrain occupants in their seats, minimizing the likelihood of them being ejected from the vehicle or colliding with interior parts, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows. By keeping passengers firmly positioned within their seats, seat belts significantly improve safety outcomes during crashes, making them a critical feature of vehicle safety design.

While keeping passengers from moving may seem relevant, the real focus is on preventing movement during collisions rather than general restraint. Comfort during the ride is not an aim of seat belts; rather, they are primarily safety devices. Lastly, increasing vehicle speed is not associated with the function of seat belts; they are entirely designed for safety, not performance enhancement.