What do seat belts help to do during a vehicle crash?

Seat belts are a crucial safety feature in vehicles, specifically designed to keep occupants securely in place during a crash. When a vehicle suddenly decelerates or comes to a stop due to a collision, the occupants inside continue to move forward at the same speed because of inertia. Seat belts help prevent this dangerous scenario by restraining the occupants, thereby minimizing the risk of injury from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or other interior vehicle components.

By securely fastening the occupants in their seats, seat belts reduce the likelihood of being ejected from the vehicle, which significantly increases the chances of survival in a crash. The design of seat belts ensures that they distribute the force of a collision across stronger parts of the body, further enhancing safety.

In contrast, the other options do not correlate with the primary function of seat belts. They do not increase vehicle speed, assist in locking doors, or directly affect the inflation of airbags, which are activated by different mechanisms in response to a crash. Instead, seat belts work in tandem with airbags to provide a comprehensive safety system for passengers.