Why is it important for seat belts to be used by passengers during transportation?

Using seat belts is crucial during transportation because they significantly enhance passenger safety and reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision. Seat belts are designed to restrain occupants, preventing them from being ejected from the vehicle or colliding with other passengers or hard surfaces inside the vehicle during a crash.

In addition to protecting passengers, seat belts help to distribute the forces of a crash more evenly across the stronger parts of the body, which can minimize injury severity. The effectiveness of seat belts has been well-documented, making them a vital element of road safety. While complying with state laws is important, the primary objective of seat belts is to protect lives and ensure the safety of all passengers in a vehicle.