2009 Safety Scholars Contest
Teens Produce Safe Driving Videos and Compete for Scholarship
Jul 24, 2009
This unique contest tackles the problem of unsafe teen driving practices in a new way: by using teen created video to generate awareness and discussion. Creating and watching video are activities most teens do on a regular basis. Now, that medium is being used to help empower kids to be leaders, and to help other kids learn something that may one day save their life.
Safety Scholars Contest Rules
The contest, open to young people between the ages of 16 through 21, required budding filmmakers to submit an original video that is either 25 or 55 seconds long. The topic of the films had to be centered on automobile safety or eco-conscious driving. The website gave several starter ideas, including seat belts, avoiding distractions while driving, and defensive driving. However, the great thing about this contest is that within these fairly broad parameters, kids were free to pick whatever theme they felt strongly about, and present it in their own creative way. Videos were judged on the following criteria: concept idea, effectiveness of the message, and creativity.
Video Production Tips
For kids who may have limited experience making videos, the Safety Scholars website also offers some tips, including devising scripts, scouting locations, creating storyboards, and developing a schedule. They even include a sample Talent Release form for young actors. This process gives kids great practice in planning, organization, and teamwork.
Finalists and Winners
Bridgestone Americas, Inc. received 817 entries, and the top ten finalists are now posted on the Safety Scholars website. The public is invited to vote online for their favorite video by August 3rd. At that point, the votes will be tallied and three winners will be chosen. These three students will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship. The top videos will also air on television as part of a national campaign. The three winners may also have the opportunity to attend the 2010 Chicago Autoshow. All ten finalists will receive a new set of Bridgestone or Firestone tires.
Bridgestone Americas Safe Driving Initiatives
In addition to Safety Scholars, Bridgestone Americas operates the new Think Before You Drive website, which includes a variety of consumer safety and education programs geared towards promoting smart driving. They also recently aired a series of PSA’s featuring Mario Andretti, who has spoken to students across the country about automotive safety. The Safety Scholars program is yet another effort to reach young people with messages about safe driving.
“Safety Scholars is a tremendously effective way for us to communicate our commitment to teen driving safety and environmental responsibility,” said Christine Karbowiak, Executive Vice President, Community and Corporate Relations, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. “It’s a program for teens, by teens, so the Safety Scholars campaign engages young drivers to think critically about some very important issues,” Karbowiak continued.
Using Safety Scholars With Teens
Those who work with teens can utilize these videos long after the voting is over to generate discussion about teen driving and safety issues. The fact that these videos were created solely by other teens may make them more appealing and fun for kids to watch, and young people may even pay more attention to the messages in these films. Young viewers may even be struck by their own great idea for a video. Even if they don’t submit it to a contest, they can still benefit from participating in the process.
Safety Scholars is a unique and creative way to get young people involved in the topic of safe driving. By using media that kids are familiar with, and harnessing their creative energy, the contest helps kids spread the safe driving message to other kids.
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