The act of disabling the auditory warning system that activates when a vehicle’s seatbelt is unfastened while the ignition is engaged constitutes modifying a safety feature. This system is designed to audibly and sometimes visually remind occupants to fasten their seatbelts. For example, a driver might attempt to silence the alarm to avoid the sound during short drives within a parking lot.
Functionality of the seatbelt warning system is crucial for encouraging seatbelt usage and, consequently, improving occupant safety during collisions. Data consistently shows a strong correlation between seatbelt use and reduced risk of injury or fatality in vehicular accidents. Historically, these alarms have evolved from simple buzzers to more sophisticated systems that integrate with vehicle sensors to provide nuanced warnings.