Family credits seat belts for saving lives in May accident

SOUTH POINT — Drivers are often urged by law enforcement to buckle up and wear their seatbelts while on the road and, on Monday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol provided an example of how this practice can save lives.

Kyle S. Gilmore, of Kitts Hill, was traveling with his family on State Route 141 on May 1 in Upper Township when their vehicle was struck by another driver, overturning them onto the roadway.

Fortunately, Kyle was buckled up and his children, Laelee, Karys and Kreed were secured and in booster seats at the time of the accident. All escaped unhurt.

On Monday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol presented Kyle with the “Saved by the Belt” award for his diligence in protecting his family.

Lt. Michael Gore, commander of the Ironton post, presented him with a certificate, signed by Ohio Department of Public Safety Director John Born and Highway patrol Superintendent Paul A. Pride.

Kyle also received a set of license plate covers promoting the “Saved by the Belt” campaign.

“These can go on your brand new truck when you get it,” Gore said.

Troopers had a set of photographs from the accident arranged on the table, which Kyle and his family looked over.

Gore said the crash could have been a lot worse.

“Kyle is a living testimony to the effectiveness of safety belts,” he said. “Everyone needs to buckle up, every time you get in a vehicle.”

Capt. Michael Roark said motorists often do not take the precaution, especially when they are driving near home.

It may be just down the road, but they need to take the proper safety measures,” he said.

The patrol said that in 2017, 470 of 839 motorists killed in traffic crashes were not wearing an available safety belt.