35.71. Seat belts are the most effective means of preventing injury for the driver and passengers:
UAРемені безпеки є найефективнішим засобом попередження травмування для водія та пасажирів:
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns passive safety in a vehicle and how simple actions by the driver and passengers reduce the consequences of road accidents. In real driving conditions, the risk of sudden braking or collision always exists, even at low speeds in the city, so the topic of seat belts is directly related to road safety and injury prevention.
The question tests knowledge of the sections of the Traffic Rules regarding the duties of the driver and passengers: clause 2.3 "g" obliges the driver to use seat belts and not to transport unbelted passengers, and clause 5.2 "b" obliges passengers to be belted while the vehicle is in motion. Clause 21.11 is especially important regarding the transportation of children shorter than 150 cm using child restraint systems that secure the child with belts provided by the vehicle's design. Thus, the theoretical exam checks the understanding that seat belts are a basic and mandatory element of the protection system.
The option confirming the effectiveness of seat belts is correct, because the belt holds the body in the seat during an impact or emergency braking, reduces the risk of being ejected from the vehicle, and lowers the likelihood of hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or front seat. Statements to the contrary are incorrect: they contradict both the requirements of the traffic rules and safety practice, as an unbelted passenger becomes dangerous for themselves and others in the cabin. That is why such exam questions emphasize: the seat belt cannot be replaced by airbags, but works together with them and provides maximum protection only when used correctly.
Clause 2.3 (subclause “g”, driver’s duties regarding seat belts)
“Use seat belts and do not transport passengers who are not wearing seat belts, if the vehicle is equipped with them.”
This clause establishes that seat belts are a mandatory safety device for the driver and that the driver is also responsible for transporting belted passengers (when seat belts are provided by the vehicle’s design).
Clause 5.2 (subclause “b”, passengers’ duties regarding seat belts)
“While the vehicle is in motion and equipped with seat belts, be buckled up and do not unbuckle without necessity.”
This clause directly establishes the obligation for passengers to use seat belts as a means of reducing the risk of injury while driving.
Clause 21.11 (transportation of children using seat belts)
“It is prohibited to transport children whose height is less than 150 cm in vehicles without using child restraint systems that allow the child to be secured with seat belts provided by the vehicle’s design.”
This clause emphasizes the role of seat belts (through child restraint systems) as a basic element of passive safety to prevent injury to children.
Thus, the correct answer is “Yes.”, given that according to the Traffic Rules, seat belts are a mandatory means of passive safety for the driver and passengers (clauses 2.3 “g” and 5.2 “b”) and are directly used to prevent injuries (including when transporting children — clause 21.11).
While the vehicle is in motion, the driver and passengers are moving at the same speed as the vehicle itself. If there is a sudden stop or collision, the car comes to an almost instant halt, but the human body continues moving forward due to inertia. It is at this moment that the greatest danger arises of striking the steering wheel, dashboard, front seat, or even being ejected from the vehicle.
The seat belt is the main means of passive safety because it keeps the person in the seat and secures them in the correct position. This reduces the risk of contact with hard interior elements, and the force of the sudden jerk is distributed over the stronger parts of the body (shoulders and pelvis), which significantly reduces the severity of injuries.
A practical example is simple: even at a low speed in the city, when the car in front suddenly stops, a driver who is not buckled up may hit their chest or head on the steering wheel or windshield. If the seat belt is fastened, it stops the body in a controlled manner and prevents it from "flying" forward. The same applies to the rear seat: an unbelted passenger in a crash becomes a dangerous "projectile" for those in front.
Although modern cars may have airbags and other safety features, the seat belt remains key because it works precisely at the moment of sudden speed change and provides basic body restraint. Research and years of practice confirm that using seat belts significantly reduces the risk of death and serious injury both in the front and rear seats.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yes," because seat belts are the most effective means of keeping the driver and passengers in place during braking or collision and significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries.