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ISP presents award for response following accident

Idaho State Police Region 4 Commander Cpt. Kedrick Wills and Blaine County Sheriff Walt Femling, this week presented awards on behalf of John Moffat, Regional Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Mountain Rides Transportation Authority received a plaque for its successful safety program, and Jorge Salazar Gonzales, a driver for Mountain Rides, received an individual Traffic Safety Excellence coin in recognition of his adherence to the company's safety program.

The award ceremony was Wednesday at the City Hall Council Chamber in Ketchum.

"These awards reflect the commitment to safety practiced by both Mountain Rides Transportation Authority and Jorge Salazar Gonzales," said Cpt. Wills.

The awards are the result of an incident that occurred on July 10. Gonzales was southbound on Idaho 75 when a vehicle turning at the intersection of Idaho 75 and U.S. 20 failed to yield the right of way. Gonzales struck the vehicle, causing the Ford Econoline passenger van he was driving to roll four times.

"Had it not been for the proper use of seat belts, there is a very good possibility many of the passengers in this vehicle could have been seriously injured," said Wills.