The most effective safety restraints in a traffic crash are:
Answers
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:
The most effective safety restraints in a traffic crash are a combination of both a lap and shoulder belt and an airbag. These two safety features work together to provide optimal protection during a collision.
- Lap and Shoulder Belt:
The lap and shoulder belt is considered one of the most effective restraints in preventing injury during a car crash. It helps keep the occupant securely in their seat, preventing them from being thrown forward during a sudden stop or impact. The shoulder belt prevents the upper body from moving too far forward, while the lap belt restrains the lower body and prevents sliding under the seatbelt, which could lead to more severe injuries. The proper use of both a lap and shoulder belt can reduce the risk of severe injury or death by up to 50% in many types of crashes. - Airbags:
Airbags are designed to deploy in the event of a moderate to severe crash, providing a cushioning effect to reduce the impact on the occupant’s body. They primarily protect the head, chest, and neck from striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. When airbags deploy in combination with seatbelts, they help reduce the severity of injuries by distributing the force of the impact over a larger surface area. Airbags have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of head injuries and fatalities, especially in front and side-impact crashes.
Why Not the Other Options?
- Only a lap and shoulder belt: While a lap and shoulder belt is essential for safety, it alone may not provide enough protection in certain crashes, especially if the occupant’s head is exposed to high-impact forces.
- Only an airbag: Airbags alone cannot prevent ejection from the vehicle or keep the body in the proper position during a crash, making them less effective without a seatbelt.
- No safety restraints: Not using any safety restraints drastically increases the likelihood of serious injuries or death in a crash, as the body is unrestrained and vulnerable to extreme forces.
Thus, the combination of a lap/shoulder belt and an airbag provides the best protection.