What is the primary purpose of seatbelts?

Answer: B — To reduce the risk of injury in a collision

The primary purpose of seatbelts is to reduce the risk of injury in a collision. Seatbelts are designed to secure occupants in their seats, which helps prevent them from being thrown forward or ejected from the vehicle during an impact. In the event of a crash, seatbelts distribute the forces experienced during the collision across the stronger parts of the body, such as the pelvis and rib cage, significantly minimizing the likelihood of severe injuries. While comfort may be a consideration in seatbelt design, the fundamental function is safety. Similarly, while seatbelts do not have any effect on the vehicle's speed or directly assist in vehicle control, they are crucial in protecting occupants and promoting safer travel. The effectiveness of seatbelts has been well-documented, making them a key component of automotive safety standards.