What is the main purpose of wearing a seatbelt?

The primary purpose of wearing a seatbelt is to reduce the risk of injury in a crash. Seatbelts are designed to secure occupants in their seats, minimizing movement during a collision and thereby significantly lowering the chances of serious injuries or fatalities. When a vehicle comes to an abrupt stop, such as in a crash, unbelted passengers can be thrown forward and collide with the interior of the vehicle or be ejected entirely. Wearing a seatbelt helps to keep passengers safely restrained, allowing the car's safety features, such as airbags and crumple zones, to work effectively in protecting everyone inside.

While avoiding a ticket is a consequence of seatbelt laws, that is not the primary reason for their use. Similarly, seatbelts do not serve to reduce vehicle noise or enhance comfort; their main function is to protect passengers in the event of an accident.