What key component of vehicle safety is assessed during the inspection?

The working condition of the seat belts and anchors is a critical component of vehicle safety assessed during an inspection because seat belts are the primary means of protecting occupants in the event of a collision. They are designed to restrain passengers and prevent them from being ejected from the vehicle, significantly reducing the risk of injury or death. During an inspection, inspectors check for proper function, absence of cuts or fraying, and the secure attachment of both the belts and their anchors to ensure they will perform correctly in a crash.

While the other options also relate to vehicle safety—such as brake systems being essential for controlling speed and stopping, windshield wipers being crucial for visibility during adverse weather, and the fuel system's efficiency affecting vehicle performance—they are not as directly associated with occupant protection as seat belts are. The focus on seat belts emphasizes the importance of protecting the people inside the vehicle, which is a primary concern during safety assessments.