What is the main purpose of a seatbelt?

The main purpose of a seatbelt is to reduce the risk of injury during a collision. Seatbelts are designed to restrain occupants in their seats, preventing them from being thrown forward or ejected from the vehicle in the event of an accident. In a crash, the energy generated is significant, and without a seatbelt, the human body can continue moving forward at the vehicle's speed, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. By keeping passengers securely in their seats, seatbelts greatly minimize the chances of serious harm and can significantly improve the chances of survival during collisions.

While comfort, dynamic shifting management, and keeping the driver in place are all relevant aspects of vehicle operation, they do not capture the critical safety function that seatbelts serve in protecting passengers in the event of a crash.