What is the primary purpose of a seat belt?

The primary purpose of a seat belt is to keep occupants safely restrained during driving. This restraint helps to prevent serious injuries or fatalities in the event of a collision or sudden stop. Seat belts work by distributing the forces of a crash over stronger parts of the body, such as the chest and pelvis, which reduces the likelihood of ejection from the vehicle or severe injury.

While it is indeed mandatory for all passengers to wear seat belts, and they are especially critical during highway driving due to higher speeds, the essential function of a seat belt is to ensure the safety of all vehicle occupants regardless of the driving conditions. Additionally, the belief that a seat belt only holds the driver in place overlooks the fact that seat belts are designed for the complete protection of everyone within the vehicle, not just the driver. This highlights the importance of using seat belts at all times while the vehicle is in motion.