What is the primary reason for seatbelt laws?

The primary reason for seatbelt laws is to reduce the risk of injury in accidents. Seatbelts are designed to secure passengers in their seats during a collision, which significantly minimizes the likelihood of serious injuries or fatalities. In a crash, unrestrained occupants can be thrown from the vehicle or collide with interior elements, leading to severe injuries. By mandating the use of seatbelts, laws aim to enhance passenger safety and protect individuals in both minor and major accidents. This focus on injury reduction has been supported by extensive research showing that seatbelt use leads to lower mortality rates and decreases the severity of injuries sustained in crashes.