Nova Scotia Driving Test Practice: Ace your driving Test

The main purpose of seat belts is to reduce injury during a collision. When a vehicle is involved in an accident, the sudden stop can subject the occupants to severe forces. Seat belts are designed to keep occupants securely restrained in their seating positions, preventing them from being thrown around the cabin or ejected from the vehicle. By distributing the force of a collision across the stronger parts of the body and preventing excessive movement, seat belts significantly decrease the likelihood of serious injury or death.

While keeping passengers from moving is a feature of seat belts, it is primarily a means to an end—namely the reduction of injuries. Preventing vehicle theft and increasing comfort for drivers are not relevant to the primary function of seat belts, as they do not contribute to safety in the event of a crash. Thus, the core purpose remains focused on enhancing safety during driving by diminishing the risk of injury.