Newport News, Va. – Last Easter on April 5, 2015 a family of four was on their way home from a movie just after 12:30 a.m.
As they approached J. Clyde Morris Boulevard on Diligence Drive, the traffic signal changed to red for the traffic on Diligence Drive.
The driver proceeded once the light turned green and was hit by an intoxicated driver who was driving recklessly through the red light.
At the time, Chai Banks was 11-years old, and was severely injured as a result of the crash, but would go on to survive and recover.
Officials say if it wasn’t for her wearing her seat belt, her injuries would have been fatal because the point of impact was where she was seated.
Yesterday, she was awarded the Virginia Chiefs of Police Association’s “Saved by the Belt Award” for wearing her seat belt, and being a prime example of how the seat belt saves lives.
