First "Drive Safe Los Angeles" video contest launches; Winners announced at LA Auto Show in November, get a $2,500-prize and have their idea made into national ad
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / May 19, 2015 / Southern California teenagers are invited to help spread the word about the dangers of distracted driving by entering a new video contest launched by The National Road Safety Foundation, a non-profit group that promotes safe driving.
Promoted by the organizers of the LA Auto Show(R), the "Drive Safe Los Angeles" contest invites teens in classes, SADD chapters and other recognized clubs to submit an original idea for a 30-second public service announcement that will inform viewers to refrain from distracted driving. The winning team's school will receive a $2,500-prize and have the opportunity to work with an Emmy Award-winning television producer to turn their script into a national ad. The winning spot will debut at the 2015 LA Auto Show during its inaugural "Safety Sunday" on November 22.
"Distracted driving is a serious risk that needs to be addressed at all levels, starting with hyperconnected teens entering the driver's seat," said LA Auto Show President, Lisa Kaz. "While safety innovations have made vehicles safer than ever before, crashes continue to be attributed to driver inattention and distraction. We hope the 'Drive Safe Los Angeles' campaign will help generate awareness among teenage drivers and inspire them to share the message with their friends, families and communities."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 3,300 people are killed every year due to distracted driving and that tens of thousands more are injured. While the most talked-about causes of distraction are texting and cell phone use, drivers also can be distracted by using GPS devices, 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 in New York. "Driving is not something that can be done safely while multi-tasking. It requires full attention, which means eyes and mind must be on the road."
Teens in classes or school organizations in Los Angeles and neighboring counties including Orange, San Bernardino, Ventura, Riverside and Santa Barbara are invited to enter the contest by sending a script or storyboards for a television ad that reminds people to not drive distracted. In order to compete in the "Drive Safe Los Angeles" contest, teams must submit their entry between June 1 - October 16, 2015; any entries received after the deadline will not qualify for the contest. The winner will be announced at the LA Auto Show. A runner-up class or group's school will receive a $1,500 award. All contestants will receive a complimentary ticket to attend Safety Sunday at the auto show, courtesy of show management.
Information about distracted driving and the "Drive Safe Los Angeles" contest can be seen at www.nrsf.org or www.teenlane.org. For the latest show news and to purchase tickets to attend the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, please visit www.laautoshow.com.
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 programs, which are distributed free for use in schools and by police, traffic safety agencies, healthcare professionals, youth advocacy groups and other grass-roots related agencies, 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.
About the Los Angeles Auto Show and Connected Car Expo
The Los Angeles Auto Show was founded in 1907, and is the first major North American auto show of the season each year. The 2015 show will be open to the public Nov. 20 - Nov. 29, following three press and trade days. The LA Auto Show is endorsed by the Greater L.A. New Car Dealer Association and is operated by ANSA Productions. To receive the latest show news and information, follow the Los Angeles Auto Show on Twitter at twitter.com/LAAutoShow or via Facebook at facebook.com/LosAngelesAutoShow and sign up for alerts at www.LAAutoShow.com. Hashtag: #LAAutoShow
Contact: David Reich, david@nrsf.org, 212 573-6000
SOURCE: The National Road Safety Foundation
