How do seatbelts contribute to traffic safety?

Seatbelts play a crucial role in traffic safety by restraining occupants during a crash, which significantly reduces the risk of injury or death. When a vehicle suddenly stops due to a collision, unrestrained occupants continue to move forward due to inertia, potentially resulting in severe injuries from striking the vehicle's interior or being ejected from the vehicle altogether.

By keeping occupants securely positioned in their seats, seatbelts minimize the impact force and distribute it over stronger parts of the body, thereby enhancing survival rates and reducing severe injuries. Additionally, the use of seatbelts is proven to lower the chances of ejection from the vehicle, which is one of the most dangerous outcomes in a crash scenario.

The benefits of seatbelts are well-documented, showing significant reductions in fatalities and injuries among properly restrained vehicle occupants. This emphasizes their vital role in the overall framework of traffic safety measures.