FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 19, 2026) – Safety personnel and more than 120 state and local law enforcement officers were recognized today at the annual Governor’s Occupant Protection Enforcement Award ceremony to honor their commitment to save lives on Kentucky roads through seat belt and child seat enforcement efforts.

“Thank you to the dedicated law enforcement officers and safety professionals devoted to keeping folks of all ages safe on the road,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “From enforcing seat belt laws to educating families on safety practices, your work saves lives”

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) presented the awards in Lexington to those with the most occupant protection citations in each agency and in each division from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Award recipients received a plaque, while the top division winners were presented with the Highway Safety All-Star Award – a commemorative baseball bat from Louisville Slugger.

There are six divisions based on the number of officers within the agency, and a division for Kentucky State Police:

  • Division I         1-10 officers
  • Division II        11-25 officers
  • Division III       26-50 officers
  • Division IV       51-100 officers
  • Division V        100+ officers
  • Division VI       Kentucky State Police

In addition to honoring law enforcement, KOHS also presented awards for Technician, Instructor and Child Passenger Safety Team of the Year.

KYTC Deputy Secretary Jeremy Slinker addressed the attendees and praised their efforts to save lives in their communities.

“It takes a team to keep our roads safe and these officers and child passenger safety professionals are doing their part to make a real difference by protecting our loved ones,” said Slinker.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts, when worn correctly, are proven to reduce the risk of fatal injuries to front-seat occupants by 45% and by 60% in pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans. Also, according to NHTSA, properly installed child restraints reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers in passenger cars. In light trucks, SUVs and minivans, properly deployed child restraints reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 58% for infants and 59% for toddlers.

In Kentucky, 88.5% of drivers and passengers buckle up. Annually, nearly half of all highway fatalities involving a vehicle reported unbelted occupants.

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Ed. note: A list of winners and photos from the award ceremony are available.