What is the purpose of a seatbelt?

The primary purpose of a seatbelt is to keep passengers in their seats during a crash. In the event of a collision, a seatbelt helps to minimize the risk of injury by preventing occupants from being ejected from the vehicle or colliding with other interior surfaces. Seatbelts distribute the force of the crash across stronger parts of the body, significantly reducing the likelihood of serious injury or fatalities. While other factors like comfort, ticket avoidance, and posture are associated with seatbelt use, their critical function is focused on safety during an accident, making this answer the most accurate representation of their purpose.