Teenagers are awarded for the smart decision to use seat belts | News, Sports, Work

Jake Jones, left, and Joshua Bentley, right, pose Monday with Ohio Highway Patrol Lt. Dan Morrison with “Saved by Belt” signs and commemorative license plates awarded to OHP for the life-saving decision to wear seat belts. during a serious accident.

WARREN. Ohio’s Southington Post Traffic Service identified two local teenagers, Joshua Bentley and Jake Jones, from “Saved by the Belt” award for responsible use of seat belts in a life-threatening accident.

Their decision to buckle up on Aug. 23 likely saved their lives, and the awards ceremony at the Warren Post highlighted the importance of following safety rules. Lt. Dan Morrison, commander of the Warren post, opened the press conference by emphasizing the importance of wearing seat belts.

“The reason I called this press conference today is to give an update. We continue to see a high percentage of people who die in road accidents because they are not wearing seat belts. But today we are here to celebrate two young people who were saved from serious injury or death by seat belts.”‘

Morrison detailed the night of Aug. 23, when 16-year-old Joshua was driving a 2000 Ford F-250 with his friend Jake, also 16, as a passenger on Amy Boyle Road in Brookfield. Joshua lost control of the vehicle, causing it to roll into a ditch and catch fire.

“Both boys were conscious and were able to unbuckle their seat belts and escape. If they hadn’t been wearing their seat belts, the outcome would have been completely different.” said Morrison.

As part of the ceremony, Joshua and Jake were presented “Saved by the Belt” awards and memorial signs