Statistics You
Need to Know
Let’s End the Pattern. Zero Fatalities Are the Only Acceptable Number.
Seat Belt Safety
Empowering Canadians with Facts and Insights
It is reported that seat belt use in Canada is at approximately 95%¹. That leaves 5% unprotected! Based on Canada's population, that 5% equates to approximately 1,927,270 people left vulnerable without the use of a seat belt. That is far too many families left to potentially face the tragic loss of a loved one.
Stay informed. Understand the risks. Make safe choices for yourself and encourage others around you to do the same.
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |
Click next image to scroll >
1,745
Fatalities
7,868
Serious Injuries
101,572
Total Injuries
Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics: 2020
Source: Government of Canada
5 Most Common
Seat Belt Myths
Often one's choice to not wear a seat belt is based on misinformation. Let's debunk five of the most common myths we hear from people regarding seat belt usage.
FACT: Not so! The NHTSA reports that back row passengers who are unrestrained and killed in a crash, make up a higher percentage than those in the front row. Stay safe...put on your seat belt.
Source: (NHTSA, 2017) The Ultimate List of Canada Driving Statistics, 2023
MYTH #1: I don't need a seat belt, I am safe in the back seat.
MYTH #2: It's my choice and doesn't hurt anyone but me.
FACT: Absolutely not true! Two things to remember.
-
If you are not restrained in a seat belt and get in a crash, you can become a human missile and either hurt or kill others in the vehicle.
-
If you were to talk to any first responder that has had to attend the scene of crash or any person that has lost a family member/friend, they will tell you that they were affected by either what they had to see or what they have had to go through when learning to live without their loved one.
Buckle up. Someone loves you!
MYTH #3: Seat belts aren't needed for short distances.
FACT: You need to rethink this. Both private insurance companies and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found similar results in recent studies. They discovered that more than half of all car crashes occur within a twenty-five-mile (40km) radius of home, and more than 50% of those crashes are within a five-mile (8km) radius of home. Put your seat belt on before you leave and never take it off until you are stopped.
Source: NHTSA, 2021
MYTH #4: I don't need a seat belt, I'm a good driver.
FACT: Really? No matter how good of a driver that you are, crashes can be caused by other drivers, bad weather, animals, mechanical failure or a tire blowout. Always be prepared for the unexpected. Always wear your seat belt.
FACT: Bad excuse! On average, buckling up takes 3 seconds. Multiply that by 20 times in a day and it takes only 1 minute total. There is always time to do your seat belt up!
MYTH #5: It takes too long to put on.
Sources:
1. Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, 2021
2. Traffic Injury Research Foundation, 2021
3. Traffic Injury Research Foundation, 2021
Sources:
4. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2022
5. Carsurance.net, 2020
6. TeenSafe, 2018
