#United States #Chicago #National Road Safety Foundation #Chicago Auto Show #Drive Safe Chicago

Drive Safe Chicago: A Call to Action for Teens

The National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) has teamed up with the Chicago Auto Show to invite teenagers from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Iowa to participate in their 12th annual Drive Safe Chicago PSA Contest. The competition challenges young creatives to highlight the serious consequences of speeding through a 30-second public service announcement script.

Why This Contest Matters

With speeding contributing to approximately 29% of all fatal crashes in the United States, the urgency for awareness is paramount. In 2023 alone, 11,775 lives were lost in speeding-related accidents, alongside hundreds of thousands of injuries and an enormous financial impact. The message to be conveyed is clear: speeding is dangerous not only for the driver but for everyone on the road, including pedestrians and cyclists.

This initiative seeks to harness the creativity of teenagers to foster a culture of safe driving among their peers. "Carnage on our roads can be reduced with some common courtesy and obeying speed limits," states Michelle Anderson, a representative from NRSF. The importance of respecting speed limits not only enhances individual safety but also ensures a secure environment for all road users.

Contest Details

Individuals interested in entering the contest can submit their scripts or written descriptions by mailing or emailing them before the deadline on December 19, 2025. Each participant will receive a pair of complimentary tickets to the 2026 Chicago Auto Show. Notably, the auto show, set to take place from February 7 to 16, 2026, provides a platform that merges automotive enthusiasm with public safety campaigns.

Three finalists will be selected and given the unique opportunity to collaborate with an Emmy Award-winning director to develop their concepts into polished video announcements. Subsequently, all finished PSAs will be displayed on the Chicago Auto Show's Facebook page, where the public can vote for their favorite. The winner will receive a $2,000 prize, while runners-up will be awarded $1,500 and $500, respectively. Additionally, each winning participant’s teacher or school advisor will be honored with a $100 gift card.

Driving Tips for Encountering Speeders

While students engage in this creative contest, it's vital for all drivers to be aware of how to handle encounters with speeders safely. Here are some suggestions:

• - If in the left lane and a faster vehicle approaches, safely move over to allow them to pass.
• - Maintain a safe distance from speeding vehicles, as they may be less stable.
• - If faced with aggressive driving, adjust your own speed and do not engage with the aggressive driver.
• - In cases of harassment or unsafe driving by another vehicle, do not hesitate to contact law enforcement.

The Bigger Picture

The NRSF has been promoting road safety for over 60 years, targeting issues such as distracted and impaired driving. Their efforts, including this contest, gear towards raising awareness and inspiring teenagers to cultivate safe driving habits among themselves and within their communities.

As new automotive technologies continue to evolve, we still rely heavily on drivers to uphold safety standards. Jennifer Morand, General Manager of the Chicago Auto Show, aptly notes, “Today's new cars are safer than ever, but drivers must be aware and respect speed limits.”

For more details about the Drive Safe Chicago Contest, visit NRSF's official website where you can find contest rules and entry forms. It’s time for the youth to lead the charge in making our roads safer. Will you rise to the challenge?

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