Bridgestone Americas Asks Public to Choose Top Entries in the Teens Drive Smart Video Contest

Public votes determine three finalists who vie for a shot at $25,000 scholarship, video to be aired in Times Square

NASHVILLE, TN--July 12, 2012: The top 10 videos have been chosen -- now it's time for you to decide who will be the three finalists in the Bridgestone Americas Teens Drive Smart Video Contest. The grand prize-winning video will be unveiled in New York City in Times Square on Aug. 1.

The top 10 videos in the safe driving contest are posted at www.teensdrivesmart.com today through July 23 for online voting. The public will decide the final three entrants who will then compete for the top prize. The grand prize winner receives a $25,000 college scholarship and his/her video will air on the MTV Jumbotron in Times Square in New York City in August. The second place winner receives a $15,000 scholarship; the third place winner receives a $10,000 scholarship. All three finalists will win trips to New York City to see the top video unveiled.  Ranking of the three finalists will be decided by a panel of judges.

The top 10 videos are also available for viewing on social networking sites including Facebook and YouTube. Winners will be announced Aug. 1.

A panel of judges selected the top 10 most compelling videos, which were chosen from 2,322 entries submitted by 16- to 21-year-olds across the United States. Choices were made based on how well the videos persuade viewers to be more safety-conscious drivers and how effectively and creatively the message was communicated.

"The results of our recent survey show that teenagers know all about distractions behind the wheel, but they are by no means abstaining from them," said Angela Patterson, Manager, Teens Drive Smart Program, Bridgestone Americas. "We hope the Teens Drive Smart Video Contest provides effective peer-to-peer communication among teenagers and helps them to put away the cell phone, keep both hands on the wheel and stay focused on their driving.  It will make the roads safer for all of us."

In addition to receiving college scholarships and a trip to New York, the winners will also have the chance to have their video used as a public service announcement (PSA) on television stations across the U.S. These PSAs are supported by Bridgestone Americas in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

"The videos we received for this year's contest are incredibly creative and show there is a passion among many teenagers and young adults to drive safe," said Patterson.  "Our goal is to get that message across to every teenager and young adult, and we appreciate the support of the U.S. Department of Transportation in making that happen."

To cast a vote, see the results of the Teens Drive Smart survey or for more information about the contest, visit Teen Drive Smart.