The company is again turning to America’s teens for solutions presented in a creative format to help make roads safer for everyone. BFNAT has launched the 2008 Safety Scholars Video Contest, which now includes a chance for young filmmakers to have their auto safety videos broadcast as public service commercials. The contest will award three $5,000 college scholarships for the most compelling and effective videos that drive home life-saving messages on auto and tire safety. The top 10 filmmakers will also receive a new set of Bridgestone tires.
“Because car crashes claim the lives of more 16- to 21-year-olds than any other cause, we feel safety education is a priority,” said Christine Karbowiak, vice president of public affairs for Bridgestone Americas Holding. “After challenging young people last year to create their own videos about auto and tire safety, we were blown away by the talent, skill and passion of our nation’s youth. We are proud to continue Safety Scholars as a contest for teens created by teens.”
The top 10 videos will appear on SafetyScholars.com and YouTube.com, in addition to MySpace.com and Facebook.com on July 7. Viewers will then select the winners through online voting at SafetyScholars.com.
Safety videos must be 25 or 55 seconds in length. The first 300 video entries will be accepted between May 27 and June 24 at SafetyScholars.com. A panel of judges will choose the top 10 videos based on the following criteria: how well the video compels viewers to be more safety-conscious, including topics such as seat belt usage, tire safety and avoiding in-vehicle distractions; and how well the video effectively and creatively communicates its message.
Grand prize-winning videos will be announced on Aug. 8 at SafetyScholars.com. In order to make videos easily accessible to young drivers across the country, the winning entries will be posted on TireSafety.com, SafetyScholars.com and other websites. (Tire Review/Akron)
