How can seatbelts affect driver safety?

The significant reduction of risk of injury or death in an accident due to seatbelts is well-supported by statistical and scientific evidence. When worn properly, seatbelts help to keep occupants securely restrained in their seats, preventing them from being ejected from the vehicle during a collision. This is particularly important because being ejected is one of the leading causes of fatalities in vehicle accidents.

Additionally, seatbelts distribute the forces of a crash across the sturdier parts of the body, such as the chest and pelvis, which minimizes the potential for serious injuries. This effectiveness is reflected in many studies showing that wearing a seatbelt lowers the chance of death and serious injuries significantly compared to not wearing one.

The other options present facts that do not hold up as accurately. The discomfort of wearing a seatbelt is subjective and does not pertain to safety directly. Seatbelts are not optional, even if a vehicle has airbags; the two serve complementary roles in safety. Finally, seatbelts protect all passengers within a vehicle, not just those in the front seats, reinforcing the importance of seatbelt use for everyone.