What is the purpose of a seatbelt when driving?

The primary purpose of a seatbelt is to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Seatbelts are designed to secure passengers safely in their seats, preventing them from being thrown around or ejected from the vehicle during a collision. In a high-impact situation, a seatbelt helps to distribute the forces of a crash over the stronger parts of the body, reducing the likelihood of severe injuries. This safety feature is widely recognized as one of the most effective ways to protect occupants, which is why wearing a seatbelt is emphasized in driver safety education and is legally mandated in many jurisdictions.

While being compliant with the law, preventing movement, and improving comfort are all associated with seatbelt use, none of these reasons outweigh the critical importance of injury reduction during accidents, which is the most significant purpose of wearing a seatbelt.