Video Contest Challenges Students to Drive Safely

FREDERICKSBURG, VA--Jan. 28, 2014: The American Traffic Safety Services Foundation (The Foundation) is hosting its second annual Virginia Teen Driver Safety Video Contest funded by State FarmŽ.

Virginia high school students are invited to submit a 30-60 second public service announcement (PSA) video encouraging teens to respect other drivers and focus on safe driving behavior, which includes wearing seatbelts and driving with no distractions, no drinking and no speeding while behind the wheel.

Prizes will be awarded to the overall top three submissions. Winning teams will receive cash prizes - first place team wins $1,000, second place team wins $750 and third place team wins $500. An additional $500 will be awarded to each winning team's school.

Fatal car crashes are the leading cause of death for people ages five to 24. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among U.S. teens. The reason for this is that many teen drivers do not wear seat belts, sometimes drive drunk, are more likely to text and receive messages and pursue other behaviors that increase driving dangers.

The American Traffic Safety Services Foundation's mission is to promote education and public awareness of roadway safety through public safety programs and charitable donations. The purpose of the Virginia Teen Driver Safety PSA Contest is to provide a real-world learning tool for young Virginians who are about to get their driver's licenses and for those who have already obtained valid driver's licenses in the state. By preparing a PSA, students will learn to develop a message using a video camera to show what they know about safe driving and how to encourage other teens to drive safely.

All videos submitted for judging should reflect safe driving practices and key actions teen drivers and passengers should take to promote safe driving behaviors. Topic ideas, concepts and themes include unplugging from visual, manual, and cognitive distracted driving (including cell phones), obeying posted speed limits, using seat belts, driving sober and roadway work zone safety and awareness.

Production teams should consist of no-more-than three students each. Each school can submit their top three videos. Submissions will be judged for presentation, message and creativity. Deadline for all submissions is March 15.

For more information: Virginia Teen Driver Safety Contest or call Lori Diaz at (540) 368-1701, ext. 150.