Jake Johns, left, and Joshua Bentley, right, pose Monday with Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. Dan Morrison with their “Saved by the Belt” plaques and commemorative license plates, awarded by the OHP for their life-saving decision to wear seat belts during a serious crash.

WARREN — The Southington Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol recognized two local teens, Joshua Bentley and Jake Johns, with the “Saved by the Belt” award for their responsible seat belt use during a life-threatening crash.

Their decision to buckle up on Aug. 23 likely saved their lives, and the award ceremony at the Warren post emphasized the importance of seat belt compliance. Lt. Dan Morrison, the Warren post commander, opened the press conference by highlighting the significance of seat belt usage.

“The reason I called this press conference today is to give an update. We continue to see a high percentage of people dying in traffic crashes because they are not wearing their seat belts. But today, we are here to celebrate two young men whose seat belts saved them from severe injury or death.”‘

Morrison detailed the night of Aug. 23, when 16-year-old Joshua was driving a 2000 Ford F-250 with his friend Jake, also 16, as a passenger on Amy Boyle Road in Brookfield. Joshua lost control of the vehicle, causing it to flip into a ditch and catch fire.

“Both boys were conscious and able to unbuckle their seat belts and escape. Had they not worn their seat belts, the outcome would have been very different,” Morrison said.

As part of the ceremony, Joshua and Jake were given the “Saved by the Belt” award and commemorative