What is the primary purpose of seat belts?

The primary purpose of seat belts is to prevent drivers and passengers from being ejected from the vehicle during a crash. In the event of a collision, seat belts are designed to restrain occupants, reducing the risk of injury and fatality significantly. They work by distributing the forces of a sudden stop across the stronger parts of the body, such as the chest and pelvis, thereby minimizing movement and providing essential protection.

While comfort and legal requirements are important aspects of seat belt usage, they are secondary when compared to the primary safety function. Additionally, while securing cargo is important for safety on the road, the design and purpose of seat belts directly relate to the safety of vehicle occupants rather than cargo.