More than five decades after seatbelts became law in Ontario, police say too many drivers and passengers are still taking the risk.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) report nearly one in four road fatalities they investigate involves someone not wearing a seatbelt. Each year, officers respond to dozens of deaths linked to people choosing not to buckle up.
With the busy Easter long weekend approaching, OPP are launching a province-wide seatbelt campaign aimed at reminding drivers and passengers to make safety a priority.
The campaign also highlights the importance of properly securing children using the correct car seat, booster seat, or seatbelt based on their age, height, and weight. Families are encouraged to reinforce seatbelt use as a lifelong habit.
“In 2025, the OPP responded to 41 road fatalities in which lack of seatbelt use was either the cause or a contributing factor. At any time, you can become involved in a collision caused by another driver. The single most important thing you can do to protect yourself during a crash is to ensure you and all other vehicle occupants are properly buckled in.” said Thomas Carrique.
“Too many lives are lost to something entirely preventable. Buckling up takes seconds, but it can mean the difference between making it home or not. Seatbelts save lives, it is that simple. I want to thank the OPP for their continued leadership in education and enforcement, especially during this busy long weekend, helping keep families safe on roads and highways across Ontario.” said Michael Kerzner.
“Wearing a seatbelt takes only a few seconds, but it can save your life and your family’s. This Easter weekend, and every day, help protect Ontario by buckling up and making sure every passenger is properly secured before every trip.” said Prabmeet Sarkaria.
Police also point to the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt in a crash, noting that being thrown into a deploying airbag without one can cause serious injury or death.
In 2025, the OPP laid 13,560 seatbelt charges. Failing to wear a seatbelt can result in a fine between $200 and $1,000, along with two demerit points that remain on a driver’s record for two years.
