What is the most effective way to reduce the risk of injury in a traffic crash?

Answer: B — Wear your seat belt

Wearing your seat belt is considered one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a traffic crash because it is designed specifically to protect occupants in the vehicle. Seat belts help to keep passengers securely in their seats, preventing them from being thrown from the vehicle or colliding with interior elements during a crash. Studies consistently demonstrate that wearing a seat belt significantly decreases the likelihood of severe injuries and fatalities in accidents. While avoiding driving at night, maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, and driving at or below the speed limit can contribute to overall safety, they do not directly protect a passenger's body in the event of a collision. Driving at night may expose a driver to additional hazards, maintaining distance helps avoid rear-end collisions, and adherence to speed limits promotes safe driving behavior. However, these measures cannot substitute for the crucial protective function of seat belts.