Car crashes remain one of the leading causes of death and injury among Canadian children, but the use of the right car seat can significantly reduce the risks. Safety experts noted that proper use lowers the change of injury by up to 82% and the risk of death by 71%.

Child Passenger Safety Week, running nationwide, is designed to raise awareness about these risks and remind families to buckle children in correctly every ride. This year’s theme, Breaking Down Barriers to Buckling, highlights multilingual resources, financial assistance and educational outreach to support families who may face obstacles in accessing or properly installing the right seat, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

Nova Scotia-based Child Safety Link, widely recognized as Canada’s authority on car seat safety, is leading the initiative. The group has long provided guidance on correct seat selection, installation and legal requirements across provinces and territories. Its work has increasingly focused on supporting newcomers and underserved families, reflecting the need for inclusive programming.

The IBC has been a central partner for more than 15 years, funding resources and programs such as The Right Seat guide, an Atlantic-wide car seat grant program, and a training hub for passenger safety instructors. Insurers say these investments are not only about community support, but also about risk reduction. Children secured in the wrong type of car seat or with improperly installed equipment are more likely to suffer severe injuries in collisions, which directly drives up claims costs.

For insurers, preventative programs such as Child Passenger Safety Week represent an opportunity to improve safety outcomes while managing the financial burden of serious crash-related claims. Initiatives that reduce the severity of injuries can translate into fewer medical and liability payouts, lowering overall risk exposure for carriers.

The campaign also underscored the broader role insurers play in public safety beyond traditional coverage. By investing in prevention, industry stakeholders are helping to reduce the social and economic costs of traffic collisions while reinforcing consumer trust in the value of insurance.