Final answer:
The correct option is b. fits snugly across the hips and comfortably across the chest. A properly adjusted safety belt fits snugly across the hips and comfortably across the chest. It should secure the wearer without causing discomfort or restricting movement
Step-by-step explanation:
A properly adjusted safety belt is crucial for ensuring the safety of vehicle occupants. The correct answer to the question is b. fits snugly across the hips and comfortably across the chest. Here's why: A safety belt should fit snugly to keep the occupant's pelvis and torso in place during a crash, which is essential to prevent injury. Both the belt across the hips and the shoulder strap need to be adjusted so that they securely fit without causing discomfort, restriction of normal breathing, or circulation. The design of safety belts, along with other safety features like airbags, are based on the principles of impulse and momentum. These features aim to increase the time over which a collision occurs, which in turn decreases the force that occupants experience, thereby reducing the risk of injury.
In the event of a collision, a safety belt that is too loose will not provide adequate protection. On the other hand, a safety belt that is too tight can cause discomfort or even injury. Hence, a properly adjusted safety belt is critical for maximizing safety and minimizing discomfort during regular driving and in the event of a crash.