Question

Safety belts are life belts. They:

1. Must be worn at all times when driving or riding in a vehicle.
2. Should be worn only when driving at high speeds.
3. Should be worn loosely.
4. Need to be worn only if riding in the front seat of the vehicle.

Answer 1

TThe correct answer is option 1: Safety belts must be worn at all times when driving or riding in a vehicle, as they protect individuals and society by using principles of physics to reduce injuries during collisions.

Step-by-step explanation:

This requirement is not just about individual safety; it also protects society from the consequences of accidents that may impair individuals and require significant medical care. The laws mandating the use of safety belts aim to reduce the number and severity of injuries from car accidents.

From a physics perspective, safety belts save lives by utilizing the concept of impulse, which involves reducing the force on an individual by extending the time over which the force is applied during a collision. Additionally, auto safety features like airbags work on the same principle—by increasing the time duration of an impact, the force exerted on passengers is greatly reduced, thereby minimizing injuries.

It's also critical for safety belts to be worn properly: they should not be worn loosely but should securely fit across the chest and pelvis. This ensures the force during a crash is spread over the strongest parts of the body, reducing the risk of injury.