Scholarship Winners Recognized for Creative PSAs on Distracted Driving Awareness

Project Yellow Light Awards: A Spotlight on Young Creatives



In a remarkable display of creativity and community spirit, the Ad Council, together with Project Yellow Light, recently celebrated the winners of the 14th annual scholarship competition. This initiative empowers students from across the United States to craft public service advertisements (PSAs) that aim to educate their peers about the perils of distracted driving, particularly the hazards of cell phone use while behind the wheel.

A Platform for Young Voices


The contest has gained immense traction since its inception in 2007, founded in memory of Hunter Garner, who tragically passed away in a car accident at 16. This year, the competition saw a staggering 2,728 submissions from ambitious students hailing from all 50 states and Washington D.C. The winning entries were not only creative but also impactful, standing out as a clarion call for safer driving practices.

The PSAs spotlighted at this year’s award presentation will be displayed in Times Square, provided by Clear Channel Outdoor, thereby reaching millions and amplifying the message of road safety. The winning entries include:
  • - They Have 9 (billboard design, college) by Jaiden Mehta (Southlake, TX)
  • - Oh Deer (billboard design, high school) by Iliana Perry (Gilmer, TX)
  • - Typewriter (radio, college) by Levi Bridge (Layton, UT)
  • - Nine Lives (radio, high school) by Ben Michaels (Belmont, CA)
  • - Pavlov's Distraction (video, college) by Matilda Isobel (Wellington, FL)
  • - Gamble (video, high school) by Victoria Pham (Irvine, CA)

An Esteemed Judging Panel


This year’s submissions were evaluated by a panel of distinguished professionals from the advertising industry. Notable judges included Aloe Blacc, the renowned recording artist; filmmaker Kweku Mandela; and Wendy Clark from The Consello Group. Their involvement adds a layer of validation to the students’ efforts, emphasizing the importance of the campaign’s message.

Addressing the Dangers of Distracted Driving


The urgency of the project is underscored by recent statistics indicating that in 2023, over 3,275 fatalities were reported due to accidents involving distracted drivers. Distraction accounted for approximately 8% of all fatal crashes that year. The scholarship aims to confront this growing concern head-on, motivating young adults to cultivate safer driving habits through peer-focused messaging.

In their heartfelt comments, the judges and organizers expressed pride in the students’ work and the movement’s wider mission.

Michelle Hillman, Chief Campaign Development Officer of the Ad Council, remarked, “The creativity and dedication shown by this year’s scholarship winners are truly inspiring. Their impactful PSAs not only highlight the dangers of distracted driving, but also exemplify how peer-to-peer messages can save lives.”

Industry and Community Support


Project Yellow Light has garnered support from renowned organizations such as Clear Channel Outdoor and Elephant Insurance, alongside the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and iHeartMedia. Their combined efforts aim to bolster this critical awareness campaign that seeks to save lives.

Dan Levi, EVP CMO of Clear Channel Outdoor, emphasized the power of youth in addressing issues like distracted driving, stating, “Their ability to connect with their peers through messaging that truly resonates underscores the critical role young people play in combating this issue.”

Looking Forward


As the winners bask in their well-deserved recognition, the broader initiative continues to grow. The campaign not only serves as a platform for student expression but also as a pivotal step toward safer roads. The spirit of Project Yellow Light firmly embodies a commitment to engaging the next generation in fostering a culture of responsibility and awareness on the roads.

For more information on how to participate in or support Project Yellow Light, interested individuals can visit the Ad Council’s official website. Let us continue to engage and educate while keeping the memory of Hunter Garner alive through our collective efforts towards road safety.

Topics Policy & Public Interest)

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