The Ontario Provincial Police is reminding motorists that wearing a seat belt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent serious injuries and fatalities on Ontario roads.
Police say 32 people died between January 1 and June 30, 2026, in collisions on OPP patrolled roads where the lack of a seat belt or proper child restraint was a contributing factor. Officials say the deaths serve as a reminder that failing to buckle up can have irreversible consequences.
The OPP says seat belts help keep occupants securely positioned during a collision, significantly reducing the risk of being ejected from a vehicle or suffering fatal injuries.
Police are also reminding parents and caregivers that children must be properly secured in the correct car seat, booster seat or seat belt based on their age, height and weight. Properly installed child restraints can greatly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a crash.
The OPP says officers will continue educating motorists and enforcing Ontario’s seat belt laws throughout the year as part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety.
Their message is simple: Buckle up. Every seat. Every trip.
