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.
