What is one consequence of failing to wear a seatbelt during a crash?

When an individual fails to wear a seatbelt during a crash, one of the most significant consequences is that occupants can collide with the interior of the vehicle. Seatbelts are designed to secure passengers and minimize movement during a sudden stop or crash. Without a seatbelt, individuals are more likely to be thrown forward or sideways at high speeds, resulting in a collision with hard surfaces such as the dashboard, windshield, or other parts of the vehicle interior. This impact increases the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities, as the body is unrestrained and can suffer from blunt force trauma.

In contrast, the assertions in the other options do not align with the evidence of safety provided by seatbelts. For instance, not wearing a seatbelt significantly increases the risk of injury rather than decreasing it, and there is no credible indication that the chance of hitting the passenger seat increases without a seatbelt. Overall, the importance of wearing a seatbelt cannot be overstated, as it plays a critical role in protecting vehicle occupants during crashes.