Results of a ten-year data trend analysis conducted by the OPP found 24 per cent of people killed on their patrolled roads, were not wearing a seatbelt. This amounts to the death of 594 vehicle occupants, of the 2,483 who died in collisions between 2009-2018.
Of those who lost their lives as a result of not wearing their seatbelt, 75 per cent were drivers and the majority were men between 25 and 64 years old.
So far this year, OPP report that seatbelt use has been a factor in 10 of the 47 deaths in road collisions.
In a press release, OPP commissioner Thomas Carrique said that in addition to buckling up, occupants should ensure that everyone in the vehicle is wearing seatbelt prior to travel.
"Remind them that during a collision, unrestrained vehicle occupants may become human projectiles and pose an additional threat to other people in the vehicle, even those who are wearing a seatbelt," said Carrique.
For those smaller passengers, Jeff Yurkey from the Ministry of Transportation said it is important to ensure children are in the appropriate car seat or booster seat for their age, height and weight, every time they get into a vehicle.
If you are driving, you can be fined up to $1,000 and receive two demerit points if you or anyone in your vehicle under the age of 16 is not wearing a seatbelt or secured in a proper child seat. Find out more from the Ministry of Transportation here.
