How does seat belt use affect injury risk in a crash?

• A. It slightly increases risk of injury.
• B. It has no effect on injury risk.
• C. It significantly reduces the risk of fatal injury and severity of injuries for occupants.
• D. It only reduces injury for drivers.

Answer: (C)

When a crash happens, a seat belt keeps you in your seat by restraining your movement and gradually slowing your body with the vehicle. This dramatically reduces the forces your body experiences and prevents you from being ejected or striking interior surfaces, both of which are major causes of fatal injuries. Wearing a seat belt significantly reduces the risk of fatal injury and lowers the severity of injuries for occupants, especially when used correctly alongside airbags. Proper use means the lap belt sits low on the hips and the shoulder belt crosses the chest and over the shoulder, not under the arm or behind the back, so the body is held in the safest position relative to the airbag system. This protection applies to all occupants, not just drivers, making seat belts the most effective single safety measure in a crash.