Ohio State Highway Patrol partners with Cedar Point to recognize 13 survivors of serious-injury crashes during “Saved by the Belt” event

SANDUSKY – On Friday, the Bucyrus District of the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) recognized several 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 Cedar Point.

During the event, Lieutenant Colonel Chuck Linek, OSHP assistant superintendent, and Colleen Brady, Cedar Point park president, presented 13 survivors with a “Saved by the Belt” certificate.

“This event is about recognizing survivors and reminding everyone that one simple decision can make all the difference,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, OSHP superintendent. “Every person honored made the choice to buckle up, and because of that, they are able to share their story. That’s a powerful reminder for all of us to wear our safety belt every trip, every time.”

The certificate presentation happened during a ceremony on stage in front of Cedar Point’s iconic Giant Wheel. Each certificate is signed by Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Benjamin Suver and Colonel Jones.

“We’re so proud to host the ‘Saved by the Belt’ presentation and celebrate these survivors,” said Brady.

“‘Always Safe’ is a core value for all of us at Cedar Point, and we’re proud to join the Ohio State Highway Patrol in encouraging guests to embody that value and buckle up every time they travel, whether they’re heading to a day of fun or returning home afterward.”

In addition to the certificate, they also received a “Saved by the Belt” license plate.

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, 31 occurred on northcentral Ohio roadways. 

There is no disputing that safety belts save lives and that is why the OSHP and Cedar Point 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.