During a collision, what crucial factor can prevent serious injury?

Wearing a seatbelt is essential for preventing serious injury during a collision. Seatbelts are designed to secure occupants of a vehicle, minimizing movement in the event of a crash. They help to distribute the forces experienced during a collision across the stronger parts of the body, reducing the likelihood of injury to vital organs and preventing occupants from being ejected from the vehicle.

In contrast, increasing speed can lead to more severe collisions, thereby increasing the risk of injury. Likewise, avoiding seatbelt usage drastically reduces the protection available during an accident, putting the occupant at a much higher risk of serious harm. Relying solely on passenger airbags is also not sufficient since airbags are meant to work in conjunction with seatbelts. While they provide an additional layer of safety, they cannot replace the fundamental protective function that seatbelts offer during a crash.