How do seat belts provide protection?

Seat belts provide protection by restraining occupants during a vehicle collision, preventing them from being thrown forward and potentially hitting the interior of the vehicle or being ejected. They distribute the forces of a crash across stronger parts of the body, such as the pelvis and ribcage, reducing the risk of severe injuries. Additionally, seat belts work in conjunction with airbags to enhance overall safety by keeping passengers in the optimal position for airbag deployment. This combination significantly lowers the likelihood of fatal injuries in accidents.