Final answer:
Use of seat belts and airbags in vehicles reduces the force exerted on passengers during a crash by increasing the duration of impact, thanks to the principle of impulse. This leads to a decrease in the severity of injuries and also lessens the societal burden of caring for accident victims.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the event of a crash or sudden stop, the use of seat belts can significantly reduce the force exerted on passengers by increasing the time over which the force acts. This concept is rooted in the physics principle of impulse, which is the product of force and the time over which it acts. When a vehicle is equipped with safety features such as airbags and crumple zones, the time of impact is increased, leading to a lower force exerted on the occupants during a sudden stop. Consequently, this reduces the likelihood of severe injuries. For instance, airbags deploy upon impact and, along with seat belts, they help to bring the occupant to a halt more gradually, minimizing serious injuries. Cars designed with parts that can crumple also absorb impact energy, further protecting passengers by prolonging the collision time, which reduces the resultant force on them.
The benefit of seat belts and airbags is evident through the principle that the momentum change of an occupant during a crash is constant, but the force experienced can be reduced by extending the duration of impact. Government regulations mandating seat belt use aim not only to safeguard individuals but also to minimize the societal burden of caring for those seriously injured in accidents due to not wearing seat belts.