How much does the combination of front air bags and seatbelts reduce risk of serious head injury according to NHTSA?

The combination of front air bags and seatbelts is a critical safety feature in vehicles, significantly enhancing occupant protection during crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this combination can reduce the risk of serious head injury by approximately 83%. This statistic highlights the effectiveness of using both air bags and seatbelts together, as they work synergistically to absorb and mitigate the forces experienced during a collision, thereby protecting the driver and passengers more effectively than either safety feature alone.

The high percentage underscores the importance of wearing seatbelts at all times and ensuring that vehicles are equipped with functioning air bags. This knowledge also serves to promote safer driving practices and reinforces the necessity of adhering to safety regulations while on the road.