What do "safety harnesses" primarily do for riders?

Safety harnesses primarily serve to secure riders in place during the ride. This is essential for ensuring that individuals remain safely seated, preventing any risk of falling or being ejected from the ride due to high speeds, sudden drops, or sharp turns. The importance of these harnesses cannot be overstated, as they are a key element in ride design that adheres to safety protocols and standards.

While riders may experience enhanced comfort or enjoyment because they feel secure, the primary function of safety harnesses is to hold them in position. Other options, such as regulating speed, are controlled by the ride's mechanical and electronic systems, not by the harnesses themselves. Therefore, the focus on security highlights the critical safety aspect that harnesses contribute to the overall roller coaster experience.