The proper use of occupant restraints has become the most cost-effective method available to reduce death, injuries and economic loss resulting from motor vehicle collisions.

In 1989, the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety agreed to employ all possible means to achieve a 95% seat belt use rate by the end of 1995. In response, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) developed and implemented a National Occupant Restraint Program (NORP). Phase One of the program called for each jurisdiction to achieve an 80% usage rate by the end of 1990 and was followed by Phase Two which outlined a five-year program aimed at achieving a 95% usage rate by the end of 1995.

In October 1996, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) and the Council of Ministers approved NORP 2001 which strove to achieve and maintain a further goal of a 95% occupant restraint use rate in all seating positions in light-duty vehicles (passenger cars, passenger vans and light trucks) in each jurisdiction to the year 2001.

The NORP Task Force has continued to work on delivery of the recommendations set out within the 2001 strategy. However, it was determined further action was needed to increase the proper use of seat belts and child restraints and thereby reduce the deaths and injuries on Canada's roads.

Under the national Road Safety Vision 2010 a new NORP 2010 strategy and target has been developed which aims to:

Increasing seat belt use and child occupant protection is a key initiative to help achieve NORP's 2010 targets and also the overall targets set in Road Safety Vision 2010.