How do safety belts help with vehicle control in a crash?

Safety belts play a crucial role in vehicle control during a crash by preventing passengers from being thrown off balance. When a collision occurs, the sudden impact can cause occupants to be abruptly propelled forward or in different directions within the vehicle. Safety belts secure occupants in their seats, minimizing movement and helping to maintain their position in the vehicle. This stability is essential for both the security of the passengers and the driver’s ability to manage the vehicle's control, as it allows the driver to focus on navigating the vehicle's course rather than dealing with unexpected movements or distractions caused by unrestrained passengers.

While the other choices suggest benefits that safety belts do not provide—such as increasing vehicle speed, enhancing steering effectiveness, or offering an automatic braking system—none of them accurately reflect the primary function of safety belts in a crash scenario. Their primary purpose is to restrain occupants, which ultimately helps maintain control of the vehicle post-impact and reduces the risk of injury.