As Ontario’s seatbelt law enters its 51st year, the Ontario Provincial Police says a significant number of road deaths continue to involve people who were not buckled up.
Police say nearly one in four fatalities they investigate involves a lack of seatbelt use, with dozens of deaths each year linked to people choosing not to wear one.
With the Easter long weekend approaching, officers have launched a provincewide enforcement campaign aimed at encouraging drivers and passengers to buckle up and ensure children are properly secured in car seats, booster seats or seatbelts appropriate for their size and age.
Officials say the consequences of not wearing a seatbelt can be devastating, particularly for families left behind.
“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 OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique.
Provincial leaders say the continued loss of life highlights the importance of consistent seatbelt use, especially during busy travel periods.
“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 Solicitor General Michael Kerzner.
Transportation officials are also urging Ontarians to make seatbelt use a routine habit for every trip.
“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 Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria.
Police say failing to wear a seatbelt can have serious consequences in a collision, including being thrown into a deploying air bag with significant force. In 2025, the OPP laid 13,560 seatbelt-related charges.
Under Ontario law, failing to wear a seatbelt can result in a fine ranging from $200 to $1,000 and two demerit points.
