Bridgestone Launches Annual Safety Scholars Video Contest

The contest, targeted to young drivers ages 16-21, challenges entrants to create short auto safety-themed videos. This year, another topic – automotive environmentalism – has been made available to entrants.

Bridgestone is again looking to teens in the U.S. for their ideas and insights regarding behind-the-wheel safety and environmentally conscious usage of vehicles.

“Car crashes claim the lives of more 16- to 21-year-olds than any other cause, so safety education is a priority for us,” said Christine Karbowiak, vice president of community and corporate relations, Bridgestone Americas. “Environmental responsibility is equally important to the company, which led us to include that topic in this year’s contest. Safety Scholars is an innovative and engaging platform that allows us to communicate our commitment to both issues. We’re proud Safety Scholars is a contest for teens, by teens, and we can’t wait to see this year’s creative entries.”

Videos must be 25 or 55 seconds in length. The first 300 entries will be accepted between May 27 and June 17 at safetyscholars.com. From there, a panel of judges will select 10 finalists based on the following criteria: how well the video compels viewers to be more safety- or eco-conscious when using their vehicles, and how well the video effectively and creatively communicates its message.

The 10 finalist videos will be posted on safetyscholars.com in addition to YouTube, MySpace and Facebook on June 25. The general public will then select grand prize winners through online voting at safetyscholars.com.

For official rules and complete entry, eligibility and prize details, log on to safetyscholars.com. (Tire Review/Akron)

Ascot Supply Corporation, based in Newnan, Georgia, has selected Mark Paquette for the newly created position of vice president. In this position, Ascot Supply said Paquette will oversee the growth of the company's products, corporate profitability, manage marketing and advertising and assume many other responsibilities.

He will work under the direction of current President David Kessler and officially begin his new role on June 3. Paquette joined the tire and automotive industry in the early 1980s at his father's tire shop, and his contributions to Mohawk Rubber Sales were instrumental in the company's growth and eventual sale to Myers Tire Supply in 2021, according to Ascot Supply. Paquette eventually was given a promotion to the role of director of operations at Myers Tire Supply.