The most effective safety restraints in a traffic crash are:
Only a lap and shoulder belt.
Only an airbag.
Both a lap/shoulder belt and an airbag.
No safety restraints.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Both a lap/shoulder belt and an airbag.
Explanation:
Safety in vehicles relies on a combination of systems designed to work together. The most effective combination is the lap and shoulder belt with an airbag, as they complement each other in protecting occupants during a crash. Here’s why:
1. Role of Lap and Shoulder Belts:
- Primary Restraint System: Seat belts are the first line of defense in an accident. They prevent occupants from being ejected from the vehicle, which significantly reduces the risk of fatal injuries.
- Proper Distribution of Force: The lap belt restrains the pelvis, while the shoulder belt restrains the upper body, spreading the crash forces across stronger parts of the body. This reduces the likelihood of severe injuries, such as fractures or internal trauma.
- Minimizing Movement: Seat belts keep the occupants securely in place, preventing them from striking the dashboard, windshield, or other hard surfaces inside the car.
2. Role of Airbags:
- Supplemental Restraint System: Airbags provide an additional layer of protection by cushioning the impact for the head, neck, and chest in a crash.
- Reducing Deceleration Forces: Airbags help absorb and dissipate the energy from a collision, reducing the force exerted on the body.
- Minimizing Head Injuries: They are particularly effective in preventing traumatic brain injuries, especially in high-speed impacts.
3. Why Both Are Needed:
- Airbags alone cannot restrain an occupant, as they deploy once and are not designed to keep someone in place. Without a seat belt, an occupant could still be ejected or collide with the airbag at an unsafe angle, increasing the risk of injury.
- Similarly, seat belts alone do not provide the cushioning effect of airbags, leaving occupants more vulnerable to head and chest injuries in severe crashes.
By combining both systems, the risk of fatal injury is reduced by 45% for front-seat passengers in passenger cars and 60% in light trucks.