Why is it important to wear a seatbelt while driving?

Wearing a seatbelt is crucial because it significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in the event of a vehicle accident. In a crash, the human body is subject to powerful forces, and unrestrained occupants can be thrown from the vehicle or collide violently with the interior or other passengers. Seatbelts are designed to keep occupants securely in their seats, which helps distribute the forces of a collision across the stronger parts of the body, such as the chest and pelvis. This greatly minimizes the chance of sustaining severe injuries or fatalities.

The other options touch on important aspects of driving and safety, but they do not capture the most critical reason for seatbelt use. While better control of the vehicle is certainly important for safe driving, seatbelts are not primarily intended for that purpose. Additionally, keeping the driver alert is beneficial, but alertness alone cannot prevent the potential impacts of an accident. Moreover, while seatbelt use is indeed a legal requirement in many states, the primary purpose of wearing a seatbelt is to save lives and reduce injuries, making safety the paramount reason.