Area officers recognized for seat belt and child seat enforcement and education efforts

Law enforcement officers and safety personnel from across the area were recognized for their commitment to seat belt and child seat enforcement efforts in Kentucky. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety presented the annual Governor’s Occupant Protection Enforcement Awards last week, recognizing the efforts of recipients to enforce seat belt laws and educate families on safety practices that help save lives on Kentucky roadways. Area officers recognized during this year’s ceremony are Lieutenant Terry Riley with the Hodgenville Police Department, Officer Brandon Sawicki with the Brandenburg Police Department, Deputy Cory Skaggs with the LaRue County Sheriff’s Office, Officers Brad Aubin and John Bell with the Mount Washington Police Department, Deputy Trevor Ford with the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant Evan Kenealy with the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, Officer Nicholas Kerney with the Radcliff Police Department, Traffic Officer Levi Preston with the Bardstown Police Department, Officer Cooper Jones with the Elizabethtown Police Department, Trooper William Slate Dalton with Kentucky State Police Post Three, and Trooper-R Eric Hines with Kentucky State Police Post Four. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says when worn correctly seat belts are proven to reduce the risk of fatal injuries to front-seat occupants by 45 percent, and properly installed child restraints reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers. Nearly half of all highway fatalities in Kentucky involved an unbelted vehicle occupant.