What role do seat belts and airbags play during a crash?

Seat belts and airbags are crucial safety features in vehicles designed to protect occupants during a crash. Their primary function is to reduce the effects of collisions, which they achieve through different mechanisms. Seat belts secure passengers in their seats, preventing them from being thrown forward or ejected from the vehicle during an impact. This stabilization significantly minimizes the risk of serious injury.

Airbags complement seat belts by providing a cushioning effect. They inflate rapidly upon collision, creating a barrier that absorbs some of the force of the impact, particularly for the head and chest areas. This combination of restraint and cushioning works together to reduce the overall severity of injuries that can occur during a vehicle crash.

The other options do not accurately describe the role of these safety devices. For instance, they do not increase the speed of the car, as seat belts and airbags are not designed for performance but for safety. They also cannot eliminate all crash impacts because some forces will always be involved in a collision; instead, their aim is to mitigate the consequences of such impacts. Lastly, seat belts and airbags are not for entertainment, as their sole purpose is to enhance safety for all vehicle occupants.