Couple Awarded For Wearing Life-Saving Helmets

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Minnesota couple says they're living proof that helmets save lives.

Beth and Rick Jones were thrown off a motorcycle when they hit a deer a year ago. Beth suffered several serious injuries and got rushed to a Rochester hospital. She's telling her survival story after receiving an award for wearing her helmet Tuesday.

"Absolutely! Absolutely saved my life," she said, referring to her helmet.

She was wearing a helmet when she crashed on Highway 63 in Fillmore County last year. She and her husband were just north of the Iowa line on a summer trip down back roads. The couple had planned a romantic getaway to Illinois on the motorcycle they bought a week before. They were celebrating an anniversary and heading to Rick's class reunion. Little did they know, there was a danger around the bend.

A deer darted in front of the motorcycle, which, according to Rick, was traveling around 60 mph. There was no way to avoid the deer.

"And then, all of a sudden, I don't remember anything till I woke up in the street," Beth said.

She skid across the pavement on her face. She fractured vertebrae and her wrist. Rick said her face, moments after the crash, was hardly recognizable, because of all the injuries.

Beth spent a week in intensive care after being flown by a helicopter to St. Marys Hospital. She also had reconstructive surgery.

She insists her helmet and protective gear saved her life. Rick feels the same way. Beth said her jacket also protected her body from road rash.

On Tuesday, the State Patrol and the Department of Transportation honored the couple for what they did right. They both received the Saved by the Helmet Award.

Beth considers the award a reminder that she made the right choice. She says that she'll make it again the next time she jumps on a bike with her husband.

She also wants others to make sure their helmets fit. Hers actually didn't fit properly and flew off after the initial impact on the pavement.

Had it fit properly, Beth doesn't think she would have scraped up her face so bad.