Bridgestone continues its young driver's safety video contest

Jan. 1, 2020
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.
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.

 

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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.