How does not wearing a seatbelt affect the likelihood of fatalities in crashes?

Not wearing a seatbelt significantly increases the likelihood of fatalities in crashes due to the critical role seatbelts play in passenger safety. In the event of a collision, seatbelts are designed to restrain occupants, preventing them from being thrown from the vehicle or colliding violently with the interior of the car. This restraint helps to absorb some of the force of the impact, reducing the severity of injuries.

Research consistently shows that people who are not wearing seatbelts are at a much higher risk of serious injury or death in vehicle crashes. Unbelted occupants are often ejected from the vehicle during an accident, which dramatically increases the chances of fatal outcomes. Additionally, even if they remain inside the vehicle, they can strike their heads or bodies against hard surfaces during the crash, leading to critical injuries.

Overall, the evidence is clear that using a seatbelt is one of the most effective ways to enhance safety and reduce fatalities in automotive accidents.