#USA #New York City #Ad Council #NHTSA #Project Yellow Light

Students Educate Peers on Distracted Driving

In a powerful showcase of creativity and awareness, the Ad Council and Project Yellow Light have announced the winners of this year's Project Yellow Light Scholarship competition, marking a milestone on its 15th anniversary. This initiative empowers students from all over the nation to craft compelling public service announcements (PSAs) aimed at educating their peers about the dangers of distracted driving.

On June 26, 2026, the winning projects were displayed in Times Square with support from Clear Channel Outdoor, and featured nationwide across numerous digital billboards. Additionally, the winning radio advertisement is set to air through iHeartMedia’s expansive network, amplifying these crucial messages to an even wider audience.

The Origins of Project Yellow Light

Launched in 2007, Project Yellow Light honors the memory of Hunter Garner, who tragically lost his life in a vehicle accident at the young age of 16. The incidence of distracted driving remains a pressing issue in the United States, with recent statistics illustrating the severity of the situation—3,208 lives lost and approximately 315,167 injuries attributed to distracted driving in 2024 alone. Alarmingly, distractions were a factor in 8% of fatal crashes and 12% of all reported incidents that year, highlighting the urgent need for ongoing education and awareness campaigns.

A Nationwide Call to Action

This year's scholarship competition attracted nearly 3,000 creative submissions from students throughout all 50 states, with each entry utilizing real-life scenarios, emotional storytelling, and impactful visuals to convey the grave risks associated with distracted driving. The winners, representing both high school and college students, are celebrated for their ability to effectively communicate this message to their peers. They include:

• - Hannah Williams (Gainesville, FL) - Billboard design: “Head Out of Your Apps…”
• - Lilwen Fout (Justin, TX) - Billboard design: “Text Them Later, Alligator…”
• - Chris Santos (New York City, NY) - Radio: “Be A Ten…”
• - Benji Johnston (Cedarburg, WI) - Radio: “Shot Clock…”
• - Hayden Yates (Amelia, OH) - Video: “You Reap What You Sow…”
• - Jana Kalumbula (Grand Rapids, MI) - Video: “Make It to School Safely…”

NHTSA officials and industry experts, including recording artist Aloe Blacc and filmmaker Kweku Mandela, evaluated the submissions and praised the students for their innovative approaches and genuine messaging. The diverse judging panel showcased the blend of creativity and professional insight that has become synonymous with the Project Yellow Light initiative.

A Commitment to Safety

The partnership between the Ad Council and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been pivotal in promoting vital conversations around distracted driving. Their joint efforts emphasize the importance of peer-to-peer outreach, particularly as young people resonate more with messages from their contemporaries. This approach is echoed by Julie Garner, the founder of Project Yellow Light, who stated, "One of the most powerful ways to change behavior is through the voices of young people. Our Project Yellow Light participants prove that creativity and awareness can save lives."

The support from corporate partners such as Clear Channel Outdoor and Elephant Insurance further solidifies the campaign's outreach and effectiveness. Dan Levi, EVP of Clear Channel Outdoor, emphasized the importance of connecting with young audiences through impactful messaging by stating, "Their ability to connect with peers in authentic, relatable ways demonstrates the power of young voices to spark meaningful conversations about distracted driving."

Furthermore, the awareness campaigns facilitated by organizations like iHeartMedia and PIX 11 are instrumental in reaching broad audiences with these crucial safety messages. These collaborations have demonstrated substantial commitment toward fostering safer driving habits among young drivers.

Continuing the Conversation

Year after year, the Project Yellow Light competition continues to inspire a new generation to take on the issues of distracted driving through their own creativity and passion. With the alarming statistics at hand, it’s evident that more must be done to encourage safe driving habits among young people. By harnessing the power of youth-led initiatives and promoting the message of distraction-free driving, Project Yellow Light is striving to keep our roads safer for everyone.

As highlighted across various platforms, the need for ongoing conversation regarding safe driving practices remains crucial. The dedication of these young creators gives hope for a future where such prevention efforts can significantly reduce accidents on our roads. Let us together embrace this initiative and work towards a culture that prioritizes safety first.

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Explore more about Project Yellow Light and how you can contribute to promoting safe driving habits in your community.