Motorcycle Ohio Presents “Saved by the Helmet” Awards

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Motorcycle Ohio, a division of the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, will present three “Saved by the Helmet” awards at Quaker Steak and Lube’s “Bike Nite” in Columbus. The award is given throughout the year to those who survive serious crashes while wearing a helmet. The crash survivors to be honored on Wednesday were injured in three separate incidents:

• James Davis of Delaware was hit from behind by an alleged drunk driver on July 30, 2022 on Billingsley Road in Columbus. He was thrown from his motorcycle and left unconscious in the roadway while the driver left the scene. Davis sustained multiple broken bones, facial wounds, and a traumatic brain injury, but is still able to work and function mostly normally thanks to his helmet. The driver at fault in the crash was later charged with OVI, aggravated vehicular assault, and failing to stop after an accident.
• On Aug. 5, 2022, Alex Turnbull of Delaware was involved in a crash with a driver who turned left in front of him at an intersection on U.S. 23. Turnbull flew over his handlebars head first and landed in the roadway. He was taken to the hospital with road rash, a badly sprained wrist, a broken ankle, and a severe concussion. Turnbull says he is able to share his story today because he was wearing a helmet.
• Dawn Mathews of Columbus was riding on State Route 521 in Delaware County on Sept. 3, 2022, when she was struck by a driver that attempted to pass her while she was turning left. She was taken to the hospital, but her helmet likely saved her life. She was able to ride again a month after the crash happened.

Included in the presentation will be certificates of recognition and new replacement helmets. Riders over 18 are not required by Ohio law to wear a helmet, but Motorcycle Ohio hopes that acknowledging riders who wear protective gear will help to promote and increase awareness of the life-saving value of motorcycle helmets. 

WHAT:
Motorcycle Ohio “Saved by the Helmet” Award presentations

WHO:
James Davis, “Saved by the Helmet” Award recipient
Alex Turnbull, “Saved by the Helmet” Award recipient
Dawn Mathews, “Saved by the Helmet” Award recipient
Pete Cline, Training Officer, Motorcycle Ohio

WHEN:
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
7:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Quaker Steak and Lube
8500 Lyra Drive
Columbus, OH 43240