Jerry Lovett, director of operations with the Kentucky State Police, introduced “Abby Airbag” during an airbag safety awareness news conference on Feb. 11, 1997, in Frankfort. Kentucky State Police – along with the Chrysler Corp., the American Automobile Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics – launched the public-education campaign that children should sit buckled up in the back seat when they ride in vehicles equipped with air bags. Abby Airbag, dressed in a Kentucky blue and white cheerleader skirt and saddle shoes, helped spread the message at schools and day care centers. Tina Cox, program manager with the Kentucky State Police Highway Safety Standards Branch, came up with the idea for “Abby Airbag” one morning before work. Cox’s husband, Rusty, a firefighter, put his wife’s thoughts on paper, and the sketch was sent to a West Virginia company that makes mascots for colleges and universities. One month and $1,600 later, Kentucky had its spokesperson to spread the word about air bag safety. Photo by Mary Annette Pember | Staff