Caledonia Woman Joins Ohio’s Saved by the Belt Club

(MARION) – Caledonia resident Keira Franks joined Ohio’s “Saved by the Belt” Club today after her safety belt saved her from sustaining life-threatening injuries. The crash occurred on county Route 174 in Marion County on March 23.

Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Christian M. Reed, Marion Post, presented her with a “Saved by the Belt” certificate signed by Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Thomas J. Stickrath and Colonel Richard S. Fambro, Patrol superintendent.

“Keira is a living testimony to the effectiveness of safety belts,” said Lieutenant Lance Shearer, Marion Post Commander. “Everyone needs to buckle up every trip, every time.” “Today was a good day, when the trooper that investigated the serious crash was able to present an award to someone who is alive because she chose to wear her seatbelt”.

Provisional data from 2021 shows 565 people in Ohio were killed in traffic crashes where a safety belt was available, but not in use. For up-to-date statistics and information on safety belts, log onto the Patrol’s Safety Belt Dashboard at: https://www.safetybeltdashboard.ohio.gov/

The “Saved by the Belt” Club is a joint effort by the Ohio Department of Public Safety and more than 400 Ohio law enforcement agencies. This club is designed to recognize people who have benefited from their decision to wear safety belts.

Keira also received a “Saved by the Belt” license plate bracket.