Finalists Named in Chicago Auto Show’s Drive Safe Chicago Distracted Driving PSA Contest
MEDIA INFORMATION
Contact: Mark Bilek
Senior Director of Communications and Technology
Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Office: (630) 424-6082
Cell: (847) 652-0632
Email: mbilek@drivechicago.com
Contact: Jennifer Morand
Director of Public Relations and Social Media
Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Office: (630) 424-6084
Cell: (630) 391-1986
Email: jmorand@drivechicago.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FINALISTS NAMED IN CHICAGO AUTO SHOW’S DRIVE SAFE CHICAGO
DISTRACTED DRIVING PSA CONTEST
CHICAGO (Jan. 26, 2018) – Three public service announcement entries from Chicagoland teens regarding distracted driving have been selected as finalists in the fourth annual Drive Safe Chicago contest, coordinated by The National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF). The contest invited teens to write a script for a public service message about the dangers of distracted driving, which kills more than 3,300 people every year. The winner of the contest will be announced during an award ceremony during the Chicago Auto Show Media Preview on Friday, Feb. 9.
“Even as today's cars have technical innovations that help avoid crashes and protect occupants in the event of one, distracted driving continues to be a major risk for drivers,” said 2018 Chicago Auto Show Chairman John Hennessy. “All of the Drive Safe Chicago finalists communicate the important message that distracted driving is dangerous driving.”
All three of this year’s finalists are students at the Porter County Career Center in Valparaiso, Indiana. They are Cheyanne Montozzi, 18, of Hebron; Lauren Royter, 17, of Kouts; and Haynen Johnson, 17, of Valparaiso. Their scripts were filmed and made into finished TV spots by the Emmy Award-winning producer of the nationally syndicated TV show Teen Kids News, who spent two days at the school working with the students to film their public service messages. Beginning on Feb. 1, the students’ PSAs will be posted to the Chicago Auto Show’s Facebook official page, and the public is encouraged to vote for their favorite.
In addition to receiving a $2,000 prize from the NRSF, a non-profit group that promotes safe driving, the winner’s message will debut at the Chicago Auto Show before airing on more than 150 TV stations nationwide.
“Driving requires full attention, with eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and your mind on driving,” said The National Road Safety Foundation’s Michelle Anderson. “These great ideas from our Drive Safe Chicago finalists make people of all ages – not only teens – realize that driving is not something that can be multi-tasked.”
The Porter County Career Center has had two of its students win past Drive Safe Chicago contests under the direction of their video instructor, Bob Phelps.
Information about distracted driving and the Drive Safe Chicago Contest can be found at www.nrsf.org/teenlane/content/drive-safe-chicago. For more information on the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.
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About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America, spanning more than one million square feet of production, concept and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2.5 million annually for 18 vital Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2018 public show is Feb. 10-19. For more information, visit www.chicagoautoshow.com or www.Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.
The 2018 Chicago Auto Show is officially sanctioned by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Founded in Paris in 1919, it is known as the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs.
About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is one of the nation’s largest metropolitan dealer organizations. It is comprised of more than 420 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ about 20,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world-famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit www.CATA.info.
About The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc. (NRSF)
The NRSF is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization founded more than 55 years ago, produces traffic safety programs on distracted driving, speed and aggression, impaired driving, drowsy driving, driver proficiency, pedestrian safety and a host of other safety issues. It distributes the programs free of charge to schools, police and traffic safety advocates, community groups and individuals. It also 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.
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