In The News 20 October 2026

Ohio State Highway Patrol partners with Kings Island to recognize survivors of serious crashes during Saved by the Belt event

The Highland County Press - Staff Photo - Create Article

MASON – On October 10, the Wilmington, Findlay and Jackson districts of the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) recognized five individuals who survived serious-injury crashes by making the life-saving decision to wear a safety belt during a “Saved by the Belt” event at Kings Island.

During the event, Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent, and Deonta Whigham, Security Manager at Kings Island, presented five survivors with “Saved by the Belt” certificates.

“Today’s Saved by the Belt event is about honoring people whose lives were changed by one simple decision,” said Colonel Jones. “Each of our honorees faced a moment none of us ever expects, yet their choice to buckle up helped protect them from far more serious harm. Their stories inspire us, and they remind every driver and passenger in Ohio that taking those few seconds to wear a safety belt can make all the difference on the road.”

The certificate presentation happened during a ceremony on stage in front of Kings Island’s iconic Royal Fountain. Each certificate is signed by Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Benjamin Suver and Colonel Jones.

In addition to the certificate, they received a special OSHP and Kings Island “Saved by the Belt” commemorative license plate. Kings Island also provided each recipient and their family members with one-day admission tickets to the park. The tickets were able to be used following the ceremony or on another day of their choosing.

According to 2025 Patrol statistics, 417 people in Ohio were killed in crashes where a safety belt was available but not used. Of those fatalities, 51 occurred on southwest Ohio roadways.

There is no disputing that safety belts save lives and that is why the OSHP and Kings Island are reminding everyone to buckle up every time they get into a vehicle.

For more information and statistics on safety belt usage and traffic safety, visit the Ohio Statistics and Analytics for Traffic Safety (OSTATS) Dashboards.

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