Final answer:
A driver is more in control of their vehicle during an emergency when wearing a seat belt because the belt reduces the impact forces through the extension of collision time, which is explained by the concept of impulse.
Step-by-step explanation:
A driver wearing a seat belt does have more control of their vehicle in an emergency. This is because the seat belt, along with other safety features like airbags, is designed to work with the laws of physics to reduce the impact forces experienced by the driver during a collision. When a vehicle stops suddenly, the driver's momentum will continue to move them forward. However, a seat belt extends the time over which the stop occurs, leading to a lower impact force, as described by the concept of impulse. This force reduction helps the driver maintain control and reduces the chance of injury.
Consequentially, government regulations requiring the use of seat belts are in place to protect not only individual drivers but also to protect society from the consequences of accidents. Features like crumple zones and airbags also play a role, as they similarly extend the time over which a collision occurs, thus reducing the forces exerted on the occupants, and allowing the vehicle to absorb more of the energy.