What factor is rarely identified as the cause of a crash but affects the severity of the outcome?

The factor that is rarely identified as the cause of a crash but significantly affects the severity of the outcome is the failure to wear a seatbelt. While other factors like distraction, speeding, and impairment can be directly linked to causing accidents, the absence of a seatbelt often becomes a crucial determinant of how severe the injuries are during and after a crash.

When a collision occurs, individuals who are not wearing seatbelts are more likely to experience life-threatening injuries or fatalities due to being ejected from the vehicle or colliding with the interior structures of the car. Therefore, while the failure to wear a seatbelt may not cause the accident itself, it dramatically increases the risks and potential harm to the occupants involved, making it a key factor in the severity of outcomes. Understanding this distinction highlights the importance of seatbelt use as a fundamental safety measure that can prevent severe injury or death in the event of a vehicle crash.