Ashland Resident Honored with “Saved By The Belt” Award for Safety Belt Use

Joe Lyons • August 29, 2024

Ashland, OH — Ed Snook of Ashland was honored today with the prestigious “Saved By The Belt” award, recognizing his decision to wear a seat-belt during a recent traffic accident. The award presented to Snook highlighted the critical importance of safety belts in preventing serious injuries and fatalities on Ohio’s roads.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ashland Post, which hosted the event, emphasizes the life-saving benefits of seat-belt use. “Safety belts are a proven lifesaver, and we urge every motorist to buckle up,” said Lt. Brad Bishop, commander of the Ashland Post. “Every click of a safety belt represents a decision to prioritize life and reduce the risk of severe injury.”

Between 2019 and 2023, Ohio recorded 2,554 fatalities and 62,661 injuries in traffic crashes where safety belts were available but not used. In 2023 alone, the unbelted fatality rate in Ohio reached 61%, continuing a troubling trend of high rates over the past four years.

Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol have issued nearly 350,000 citations for safety belt and child safety seat violations since 2019. The enforcement efforts aim to improve road safety through a combination of citations and educational outreach. “Our goal is to positively influence and change driving behavior to enhance safety for everyone on the road,” Lt. Bishop added.

Ed Snook’s award comes in recognition of his use of a seat-belt during a crash on February 9th on US 30 at SR 511. The safety belt played a crucial role in protecting him from serious injury during the incident. Elizabeth Jackenheimer and Darrin Bookman, also involved in the crash, were presented with their awards on August 2, 2024, during a ceremony at the Ohio State Fair.

For more information on safety belt statistics and crash data, visit the Ohio State Patrol’s safety belt dashboard at Ohio State Patrol Safety Belt Dashboard.