What is the simplest and most effective protection against possible injury during a motor vehicle collision?

Wearing your seat belt is recognized as the simplest and most effective measure for protection against injury during a motor vehicle collision. Seat belts are designed to keep occupants secured within their seats, preventing them from being thrown from the vehicle upon impact. They reduce the risk of severe injuries by absorbing and distributing the forces of a crash across the stronger parts of the body, such as the pelvis and rib cage.

In contrast to other options, such as wearing a helmet, using airbags, or adjusting mirrors, seat belts are universally standard for all vehicle occupants and do not require additional equipment beyond what is already installed in the vehicle. While helmets are effective for protecting the head in activities like biking or motorcycling, they are not applicable in standard automobile scenarios. Airbags provide additional protection but are designed to work in conjunction with seat belts; they are not a substitute. Properly adjusting mirrors contributes to overall safe driving by enhancing visibility but does not prevent injury in the event of a collision. Thus, seat belts are the primary line of defense in reducing the risk of serious injury in a crash.