What is the primary purpose of wearing a seatbelt?

Wearing a seatbelt primarily serves to reduce the risk of injury in a crash. Seatbelts are designed to secure occupants in their seats, preventing them from being thrown forward or ejected from the vehicle during a collision. This greatly diminishes the likelihood of severe injuries, including head trauma, spine injuries, and other potentially fatal outcomes. The design of seatbelts spreads the force of a crash over the stronger parts of the body and keeps individuals in a stable position, which is crucial when a sudden stop occurs. The effectiveness of seatbelts in saving lives and preventing harm during accidents has been substantiated by extensive research and crash test data, making it a fundamental safety feature in vehicles.