Ontario Provincial Police say nearly one-in-four fatal collisions investigated by the OPP involves someone who was not wearing a seat belt.
The Central Region Headquarters of the OPP are reminding motorists that wearing a seat belt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe on the road
So far in 2026, Central Region OPP have seen a 19% increase in fatal collisions involving individuals who were not wearing a seat belt, including incidents where children were not properly secured, compared to this time last year.
Drivers are reminded to ensure all occupants are properly restrained before every trip.
This includes securing children in the appropriate car seat, booster seat or seat belt based on their age, height and weight.
Under Ontario law, drivers are responsible for ensuring passengers under 16 are properly restrained, and that children under the age of eight are secured in the correct child car seat or booster seat.
For more information on child car seat and booster seat requirements, visit ontario.ca and search “child car seat safety.” Choosing a child car seat | ontario.ca.
Families are also encouraged to reinforce seat belt use as a lifelong habit.
While collisions can happen at any time, wearing a seat belt remains the single most effective way to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
Police say during a collision, even at speeds as low as 50 kilometres an hour, the force can be enough to throw an unrestrained person causing injury or death.
