The Ontario Provincial Police is reminding motorists to buckle up after 32 people died on OPP-patrolled roads during the first six months of 2026 in crashes where a lack of seat belt use or proper child restraint was a contributing factor.
The deaths occurred between Jan. 1 and June 30, according to the OPP.
Police say the fatalities are a reminder that wearing a seat belt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent death and serious injury in a collision.
Despite ongoing education and enforcement campaigns, the OPP says some drivers and passengers continue to travel without wearing seat belts, putting themselves at unnecessary risk.
Seat belts are designed to keep occupants securely positioned during a crash, significantly reducing the risk of being ejected from a vehicle or suffering fatal injuries.
The OPP is also reminding parents and caregivers about the importance of properly securing children in age- and size-appropriate car seats and booster seats.
Police say child restraints should be correctly installed and used on every trip to help reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a collision.
The OPP says officers will continue enforcing Ontario’s seat belt laws throughout the year as part of efforts to improve road safety and reduce preventable deaths.
