Despite the urging of many members of law enforcement, as well as laws mandating it, there are still a significant number of drivers who refuse to wear a seatbelt when on the road.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, in 2017, 470 of 839 motorists killed in traffic crashes were not wearing an available safety belt.

An accident can happen at any time, no matter how familiar you are with the road or how close to home you are. With a failure to use belts still, unfortunately, all too common, the highway patrol recently offered an example showing just how important this is.

Kyle Gilmore and his three children were traveling on State Route 141 on May 1 in Upper Township, when they were struck by another vehicle, overturning theirs on the highway.

As photos showed, this was a severe crash, but, thankfully, Gilmore was buckled up and had his children secured and in booster seats.

As a result, none of the four were injured in the crash, and a horrible tragedy did not occur.

For his precautions and good parenting, the patrol awarded Gilmore the Saved by the Belt award at an event with his family at the Ironton post on Monday.

We hope that more motorists follow his example. Why risk limited reaction time and other factors, when a simple effort can reduce the risk of traffic fatalities?

And it’s the law in Ohio.

There’s no excuse for risking your life or the lives of others.

So buckle up already.