Where should seat belts ideally rest for proper safety?

For optimal safety, seat belts should ideally rest low at the hips. This positioning ensures that the seat belt can effectively distribute the forces experienced during a crash across the stronger parts of the body, such as the pelvis. When worn correctly, a properly positioned seat belt helps to prevent serious injuries by minimizing movement of the occupant during a collision.

The belt should lie flat across the hips, away from the abdomen, to help protect vital organs in the event of an accident. Proper placement at the hips reduces the risk of "submarining," where an occupant slips underneath the lap belt, which can lead to severe injuries.

In contrast, if the belt were to rest high on the torso, across the neck, or under the arm, it would not provide appropriate protection and could result in serious harm in the event of a crash. Improper positioning can lead to increased chances of injury due to the seat belt not functioning as intended during a collision.