Which safety feature is essential for minimizing injury during frontal crashes?

Seat belts are critical safety features for minimizing injury during frontal crashes because they are specifically designed to restrain the occupants of a vehicle, preventing them from being thrown forward into the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield upon impact. They work by distributing the force of a collision across the stronger parts of the body, such as the chest and pelvis, which helps reduce the risk of severe injuries. Moreover, when seat belts are used in conjunction with airbags, they provide enhanced protection, as airbags are designed to cushion the impact.

While rear cameras, anti-lock brakes, and vehicle size contribute to overall vehicle safety and crash avoidance, they do not play a direct role in protecting occupants during frontal collisions. Rear cameras assist with parking and reversing, anti-lock brakes help maintain steering control during hard braking, and larger vehicle size may provide some level of protection in collisions, but none are as effective in mitigating injury as the use of seat belts.