What is the main purpose of automatic seat belt and air bag systems in vehicles?

The main purpose of automatic seat belt and air bag systems in vehicles is to prevent or reduce bodily injury in the event of an accident. These safety features are designed to protect occupants by securing them in their seats and cushioning them during a collision. The automatic seat belts help to keep passengers properly restrained, thereby minimizing the risk of serious injury by preventing them from being thrown forward or ejected from the vehicle in a crash scenario. Air bags, on the other hand, deploy rapidly to provide an additional layer of protection by absorbing the impact force of a collision and preventing or mitigating injuries to the head and torso. Together, these systems significantly enhance overall vehicle safety, aligning with the primary goal of automotive safety designs to protect occupants in emergencies.