Chicago Auto Show & NRSF Invite Teens to Help Spread Message About Distracted Driving
Contact: David Reich
Phone: (212) 573-6000
Email: david@nrsf.org
CHICAGO AUTO SHOW INVITES TEENS TO HELP SPREAD MESSAGE ABOUT DISTRACTED DRIVING DANGER
National Road Safety Foundation to host Drive Safe Chicago Video Contest; Winner Gets $2,000 and works with Emmy-winning director to create PSA that will air nationwide
CHICAGO, Nov. 3, 2014 -- Teens from Chicagoland and neighboring states are being invited to help spread the word about the dangers of distracted driving, as a new video contest launches from The National Road Safety Foundation, a non-profit group that promotes safe driving.
The contest, called Drive Safe Chicago, asks teens to submit ideas for a 30-second public service announcement that reminds viewers not to text or make calls while driving. The winner will receive a $2,000 award and will have the chance to work with an Emmy Award-winning TV producer to turn the winning script into a finished ad that will air nationwide. The winning spot will also be played on the social media video wall at the Chicago Auto Show, which runs from Feb. 14 – 22.
"Distracted driving is a serious risk that needs to be addressed at all levels," said John Webb, 2014 Chicago Auto Show chairman. “Today's cars are safer than ever, with many innovations that help avoid crashes and protect occupants in the event of one. But driver inattention – distraction – continues to be a major factor in crashes. We hope the Drive Safe Chicago campaign engages teens to be messengers both to their peers and to adults that distracted driving is dangerous driving."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates some 3,000 people are killed every year due to distracted driving, and tens of thousands more are injured. The most talked-about causes of distraction are texting and cell phone use, but drivers also can be distracted by use of other mobile devices like GPS, adjusting sound system controls, talking with passengers or even eating.
"Anything that takes the driver's eyes off the road and mind off driving is a distraction that can have serious consequences," said Michelle Anderson, Operations Director of The National Road Safety Foundation. "Driving requires full attention. It's not something that can be done safely while multi-tasking."
Teens who live in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Iowa are invited to enter by sending a script or storyboards for a TV ad that reminds people not to drive distracted. Entries deadline is Jan. 9, 2015 and the winner will be announced at the Chicago Auto Show. A runner-up will receive a $1,000 award. All entrants will receive two free tickets to the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.
Information about distracted driving and the Drive Safe Chicago Contest can be seen at www.teenlane.org.
The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc. (NRSF) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that for more than 50 years has been dedicated to reducing crashes, deaths and injuries on our nation’s highways by promoting safe driving habits through greater public awareness.
NRSF produces documentaries, educational programs and public service campaigns for broadcast and for use in safety, educational and enforcement programs. NRSF offers its material free of charge. More than a million copies of the Foundation’s films and public service campaigns have been distributed for use in schools and by police, traffic safety agencies, healthcare professionals, youth advocacy groups and other grass-roots related agencies, as well as to corporations, the armed forces, federal, state and local government agencies.
NRSF programs deal with distracted driving, speed and aggression, impaired driving, drowsy driving, driver proficiency and pedestrian safety. The Foundation also works with key youth advocacy groups and sponsors contests to engage teens in promoting safe driving to their peers and in their communities. For more information or to download free programs, visit www.nrsf.org or www.teenlane.org.
First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the nation’s largest auto show and has been held more times than any other auto exposition. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization, has produced the Chicago Auto Show since 1935.
Back to News