What do robots with road rage and text-messaging nutcracker dolls have
in common? They were the stars of the teen-created winning videos of
the 2007 Safety Scholars Video Contest sponsored by Bridgestone
Firestone North American Tire, LLC.
The
company is again turning to America's teens for solutions presented in
a creative format to help make roads safer for everyone. Bridgestone
Firestone has just launched the 2008 Safety Scholars Video Contest,
which now includes a chance for young filmmakers to have their auto
safety videos broadcast as a public service commercial. 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, Bridgestone
Americas Holding, Inc. "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."
You can watch the videos and also get the official rules at youtube.com/user/SafetyScholars
Last year's Safety Scholars Video contest was a huge success. Here are some facts about last year's event:
- 1.3 million hits on contest site, SafetyScholars.com
- 24,000 viewings on YouTube.com, one of the "Top 50 Views" in its category
- 8,000 online votes at SafetyScholars.com
- Nearly 300 videos entered
In addition to earning scholarships, the top four 2007 winners (2007
winner, Sarah Wilson, pictured at left) were privileged to showcase
their videos at the Chicago Auto Show (www.ChicagoAutoShow.com) to an enthusiastic crowd of top automotive journalists.
2008 Safety Scholars Video Contest Rules:
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.
The Rules:
- Safety videos must be 25 or 55 seconds in length.
- The first 300 video entries will be accepted May 27 - 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.
The Results:
Grand
prize-winning videos will be announced on August 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.
The
Safety Scholars Video Contest is offered by Bridgestone Firestone North
American Tire, LLC to promote driver safety and education among
America's youth. Participants must be 16- to 21-years-old, and a legal
resident of the 50 U.S. states or District of Columbia. Contestants
must also posses a valid driver's license and be currently enrolled as
a full-time student at an accredited secondary, college level or trade
school. Official Rules with complete entry, eligibility and prize
details are also available on SafetyScholars.com.
By Brandy Schaffels
Contributing Editor
2008 chicago auto show
