What is the likelihood of surviving a crash when using a seatbelt?

Using a seatbelt significantly increases the chances of survival in a crash due to its primary function of restraining the occupant during a collision. Seatbelts are designed to absorb some of the forces experienced during a crash, preventing occupants from being thrown from the vehicle or colliding violently with interior components like the steering wheel or dashboard.

Statistical data from various safety studies consistently demonstrate that seatbelt use can reduce the risk of fatal injury by approximately 50% for front-seat occupants in passenger vehicles. This protection is crucial because in many crashes, the severity of injuries sustained can be greatly reduced when seatbelts are worn.

Moreover, wearing a seatbelt helps to ensure that the body is kept in the appropriate position in relation to the vehicle’s airbags, which are also designed to decrease injury severity. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the life-saving benefits that seatbelts provide in a crash scenario.