What is the primary purpose of seat belts?

The primary purpose of seat belts is to prevent ejection from the vehicle in a crash. In the event of a collision, a seat belt securely restrains the occupant’s body, keeping them inside the vehicle where safety features such as airbags can deploy effectively. This greatly reduces the risk of being thrown from the vehicle, which can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

While aspects such as comfort or control may be advantages in some situations, they do not represent the fundamental safety function that seat belts serve. Additionally, seat belts do not contribute to fuel efficiency or steering control—these features are unrelated to the primary goal of ensuring occupant safety during a crash.