Entries can be submitted through May 13 for
Bridgestone’s fifth annual Safety
Scholars Video Contest, which offers an opportunity for
young motorists to educate their peers about how to stay
safe behind the wheel – both as a driver and a
passenger.
Contestants aged 16 through 21 shoot a short automotive
safety-themed video that encourages better decision-
making. A panel of judges then narrows the field down to
10 finalists, which are posted for online voting.
“Every year, the submissions that we receive in the
Safety Scholars Video Contest continue to amaze us,”
says Angela Patterson Sikes, Bridgestone’s digital media
coordinator.
“Not only are they innovative, creative and very well
executed, but they present vital safe driving messages
that are relevant to both novice and veteran drivers,”
she notes. “Peer-to-peer communication can influence
behavior, and our program is simply one way for teens to
talk to their peers about the importance of safe driving
practices.”
The company has additionally opened this year’s contest
to Canadian residents, excluding Quebec.
Winners from the U.S. will receive a $5,000 college
scholarship and a free set of Bridgestone tires. Canadian winners get a
$5,000 cash prize.
Each victorious video may be used as a public service
announcement (PSA) for distribution to television
stations.
PAGE 2
Last year’s videos that were included in the PSA
campaign aired more than 7,600 times.
“Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for
16- to 21-year olds. It’s a sad and frightening
statistic, but one we think can be changed,” says Dan
MacDonald, the tire maker’s vice president of community
and corporate relations.
“As a company, safety education is a top priority,” he
asserts. “We hope that by having young people creatively
show their peers the dangers of distracted driving, that
age group will change its driving habits for the better,
whether that means putting away the cell phone, always
wearing a seat belt or not driving under the
influence.”
Bridgestone serves as the presenting national sponsor of
Driver’s Edge, a hands-on safe driving course that’s
offered free of charge to teenagers in select U.S.
cities. The company has also aired a series of tire
safety PSAs featuring Mario Andretti, the legendary
racer and Firestone spokesman.
For more information, visit www.safetyscholars.com, www.teensdrivesmart.com and www.bridgestone-
firestone.com.
