Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Seat belt
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Seat belt: A belt used to hold an individual in their seat.
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. Over 70% of those killed were not wearing seat belts. Seat belts can help reduce death and injury by up to 60%.
Using a shoulder belt without a lap belt can leave one at greater risk for some injuries than wearing no seat belt at all. Chest and abdominal injuries are more than twice as common among those who wear shoulder but not lap belts than among those with no belts.