Police agencies across Ontario are reminding people to buckle up, as they kick off a two-week provincial seatbelt campaign.

The fall enforcement campaign is intended to encourage all drivers and passengers to wear a seatbelt, ticket those who aren't properly restrained, and save lives.

So far this year, 20 per cent of all fatalities on OPP-patrolled roads involved an occupant who was not wearing or was improperly wearing a seatbelt or child restraint.

“This number is unacceptable,” said Chief Supt. Don Bell, commander of the OPP’s highway safety division, in a statement. “Every day OPP officers see needless injuries and deaths on our roads that could have been prevented by wearing seatbelts.”

Using seatbelts is the single most effective way to reduce vehicle-related injuries and fatalities, Toronto police said.

For every one per cent increase in seatbelt use, roughly five lives are saved in Ontario every year, according to police figures.

“Far too many people are still dying as a result of not wearing them in motor vehicle collisions,” OPP spokesman Sgt. Dave Woodford told CP24. “(Seatbelt negligence) is one of the big four causes of motor vehicle crashes and fatals, so people have to get the message that they need to get that seatbelt on.”

Campaign focuses on child car seats

Police agencies, firefighters MTO officials and others launched the campaign, which runs until Oct. 6, with a child car seat inspection clinic at Yorkdale Shopping Centre on Monday morning.

This year’s campaign focuses on drivers who fail to secure children safely.

Child car seat inspection clinics have revealed that more than 80 per cent of car seats are installed or used incorrectly, increasing the risk of death or serious injury, police said.

When people install a car seat, one of the common mistakes they make involves the straps, said Toronto police Const. Clint Stibbe.

Stibbe told CP24 inspections often reveal twisted straps, which are a major concern because they cause the force of the collision to be concentrated on the child’s body.

The straps must be flat and the crossbar or breast plate across the child’s chest must be connected to ensure the force of a crash is distributed evenly across the child, Stibbe said.

The mandatory use of child car seats became law in 1976. All caregivers are responsible for ensuring children under 16 are properly secured with the appropriate child car seat, booster seat or seatbelt, OPP said.

Seatbelt non-compliance draws a fine of $200 and two demerit points, police said.

@ChrisKitching is on Twitter. Don't forget, for instant breaking news, follow @CP24 on Twitter.