Bridgestone Americas Releases Student-Made PSAs To Encourage Safe Driving Among Teens

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Bridgestone Americas is proud to announce the release of safe driving PSAs created by teenagers in the 2012 Teens Drive Smart Video Contest. The Bridgestone program empowers teens to create impactful videos that influence their peers to make smart, responsible decisions when they drive. The PSAs will be distributed to TV stations across the country to help spread these important messages.

"We surveyed more than 2,000 15 – 21 year olds this year and found that although teens are aware of what distracted driving is, they often believe they are safe drivers and don't get distracted behind the wheel," said Angela Patterson, Manager, Teens Drive Smart Program, Bridgestone Americas.  "We hope these PSAs will reinforce the message to both new and veteran drivers just how important it is to put the phone away and focus on driving."

"Texting and cell phone use behind the wheel is dangerous for people of all ages, but especially our youngest and most inexperienced drivers," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.  "These PSAs – created for teens, by teens – are a terrific reminder of the importance of putting safety first each and every time you get behind the wheel."

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that automobile collisions are the leading cause of death among American teens.  The hope is that TV stations will air these PSAs, creating change and letting young drivers know that making smart driving decisions can save lives.

For more information about the Teens Drive Smart program and to view the PSAs produced by students, please visit www.teensdrivesmart.com.  For more information about what the U.S. Department of Transportation is doing to eliminate distracted driving, please visit www.distraction.gov.

About the PSAs:

"A Reciprocal of Teen Drivers," is a group of sentences that initially illustrate a negative attitude for teen drivers, but when read in reverse order, the words present an unique and positive message about teen driving.

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