*Information from an Ohio Department of Public Safety press release*
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Oct. 15, 2026) — Motorcycle Ohio, a program of the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, will present two “Saved by the Helmet” awards in partnership with the American Motorcyclist Association Hall of Fame at their Fall Bike Night on Oct. 17. The award is given throughout the year to those who survive serious crashes while wearing a helmet. The crash survivors were injured in two separate incidents:
- Rebecca Cain of Lorain was injured while riding on Lowell Avenue in Lorain on June 2, 2023. She hit a deep pothole in the middle of the roadway which caused her to lose control of her motorcycle, and she crashed in the middle of the road. She was taken to the hospital with serious injuries and believes her decision to always wear a helmet has saved her life.
- On June. 23, 2026, Steven Heintel of Chagrin Falls was riding southbound on State Route 306 in Bainbridge Township in Geauga County. He stopped in the right lane for the red light at US 422, when a driver in the left lane abruptly moved into Heintel’s lane and sideswiped the motorcycle. Heintel sustained only minor injuries thanks to his full protective gear including a helmet. The driver of the car was cited for a marked lanes violation.
Included in the presentation will be certificates of recognition and new replacement helmets for each rider. Motorcycle Ohio hopes that acknowledging riders who wear protective gear will help to promote and increase awareness of the importance of helmet use and encourage more riders to make helmets a routine part of every ride.
- WHAT: Motorcycle Ohio “Saved by the Helmet” Award presentation
- WHO: Rebecca Cain, “Saved by the Helmet” Award recipient
- Steven Heintel, “Saved by the Helmet” Award recipient
- Michele Piko, Motorcycle Ohio Administrator
- WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 17
- 6:00 p.m.
- WHERE: Fall Bike Night
- AMA Hall of Fame Campus
- 13515 Yarmouth Drive
- Pickerington, OH 43147