Kansas Teen Triumphs in National Contest Promoting Road Safety Awareness
In a significant win for road safety advocacy, 18-year-old Huston Albert from Tonganoxie, Kansas, recently clinched the top prize in the National Road Safety Foundation's 16th annual Drive2Life Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest. This contest challenged teens from across the country to create public service announcements emphasizing the importance of road safety, particularly in sharing the road with vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Huston, currently a senior at Tonganoxie High School, triumphed among nearly 200 entrants, highlighting the creativity and concern of youth regarding critical issues affecting their communities. His winning entry, which earned him a $2,000 cash prize, demonstrates his dedication to instilling safer driving habits among peers and the broader public.
The PSA script, titled "We All Have a Place," portrays children engaging in imaginative play with toy cars, delivering an impactful message about patience and consideration while driving. The narrative urges drivers to stay alert, stating, "On the road, we must always stay alert. Be responsible and ready so no one gets hurt." The vivid imagery of families traveling together further reinforces the idea that all road users deserve respect and consideration.
Huston’s victory not only showcases his talent but also presents an opportunity for him to collaborate with an Emmy Award-winning producer. This partnership will allow him to transform his concept into a professionally produced PSA that will air across more than 160 television stations throughout the United States on the nationally-syndicated program "Teen Kids News."
The contest, which is conducted in partnership with the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA), aims to educate young people on the significance of responsible driving behavior. The winning video, along with free educational resources for teens and parents about road safety, will be available on the National Road Safety Foundation's website.
Along with Huston, two other finalists were recognized for their contributions to the contest. Kamille Cockrall from Houston, Texas, and Ari Greenberg from Fargo, North Dakota, were awarded $500 each for their commendable entries. As part of their recognition, the educators associated with the winners and runners-up are also receiving gift cards to emphasize the importance of support from teachers in fostering safe driving habits.
Michelle Anderson, a representative from the National Road Safety Foundation, stated, "We believe Huston's message will resonate with people of all ages to be aware of other road users and to drive responsibly by always sharing the road." This sentiment echoes the foundation's long-standing commitment to promoting traffic safety and responsible driving through various educational programs over the past 60 years.
The Drive2Life PSA Contest is part of the National Road Safety Foundation's broader mission to foster public awareness surrounding myriad traffic safety issues, including distracted and impaired driving. Through engagement with young minds, the foundation emphasizes the importance of cultivating responsible drivers from a young age.
To view Huston's PSA and access additional resources, visit
www.nrsf.org/contests/drive2life. As road safety becomes an increasingly vital concern, initiatives like these pave the way for a safer driving environment for everyone on the road.
About the National Road Safety Foundation: The National Road Safety Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has been dedicated to creating driver education materials and safe driving initiatives for over 60 years. Engaging youth through contests and partnerships, the organization continues to influence the next generation towards safer road practices.
With passionate advocates like Huston Albert leading the charge, there is hope for a future where road safety is at the forefront of everyone's mind, ensuring a cooperative driving culture that prioritizes the well-being of all road users.