What personal safety feature is required in vehicles for drivers and passengers?

Working seatbelts are a fundamental personal safety feature in vehicles for both drivers and passengers because they are designed to significantly reduce the risk of injury or fatality in the event of a collision. Seatbelts work by securing the occupant in their seat and preventing them from being thrown forward or ejected from the vehicle during sudden stops or crashes. They play a critical role in protecting vital areas of the body, such as the head, neck, and torso, by distributing the forces experienced in a crash over the stronger parts of the body.

While airbags, anti-lock brakes, and rearview cameras enhance the safety of a vehicle, working seatbelts remain the most critical and universally required feature for the basic protection of occupants. Airbags are effective in conjunction with seatbelts but do not function optimally unless the occupant is properly restrained. Additionally, anti-lock brakes improve vehicle handling and control, while rearview cameras assist with visibility and parking safety, but none of these features can replace the essential role that seatbelts play in occupant safety.