Miller Family To Be Honored for Highway Safety Efforts

The family of Megan Miller, an Owensboro teen who died in 2006 after being ejected in vehicle crash, will receive the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Outstanding Service Award for their efforts to promote seat belt safety in Daviess County and the surrounding area. The award will be presented at halftime of the University of Kentucky football game on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Following Megan’s crash, the Miller family started the Lifesaver Club at Daviess County High School where she was a student. Club members regularly participate in parades, local festivals and school activities to help raise awareness of the importance of seat belts. The family recently started a club at Apollo High School with the goal of extending to a majority of high schools throughout the state. “When faced with challenging circumstances, the family of Megan Miller chose to turn tragedy into action,” said Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Acting Director Bill Bell, who will present the award on behalf of NHTSA. “Tim, Mischelle, Morgan and Myles Miller have dedicated their lives to help prevent other families from experiencing the grief that comes with losing a loved one,” he said. “This award is our small way of recognizing their passion for saving lives on Kentucky roadways.” Of the 760 people killed on Kentucky highways last year, 598 were in motor vehicles. Of those killed, 62.5 percent were not buckled up.

According to the NHTSA, seat belts, when worn correctly, are proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat occupants by 45 percent – and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans.