#United States #New York #National Road Safety Foundation #Drive2Life #PSA Contest

Drive2Life PSA Contest 2026: Inviting Teens to Create Impactful Messages

The 17th annual Drive2Life PSA Contest has officially launched, encouraging teenagers across the nation to come forward with their creative ideas about the hazards of speeding. Sponsored by the National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) in partnership with the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA), this initiative aims to raise awareness of a critical issue affecting road safety.

Contest Overview

Running until March 23, 2026, this contest is open to teens aged 13 to 19. The victor will be rewarded with a $2,000 cash prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City. There, they will collaborate with an Emmy-winning producer to transform their idea into a compelling television public service announcement (PSA). This PSA will then be aired nationally on over 170 television stations during the Global Youth Traffic Safety Month next May on the program Teen Kids News. Notably, there are also prizes for two runners-up, who will each receive $500, alongside $100 gift cards for the teachers of the top contestants.

Why Speeding Matters

Speeding is not just a traffic violation; it is a key contributor to serious accidents. Statistics show that speeding is involved in about 29% of all fatal crashes in the United States. In 2023, there were 11,775 deaths related to speeding incidents, underscoring the urgency of this initiative. The NRSF emphasizes that the repercussions of speeding extend beyond fines and points on a driver’s license; they have deadly outcomes affecting everyone on the road, including innocent pedestrians and cyclists.

Tools for Educators

In conjunction with the contest, ADTSEA has developed comprehensive learning materials freely available for educators. These resources aim to inform students about the dangers of speeding, seamlessly integrating into language arts, health, and media communication lessons. School clubs can utilize these materials to foster engaging discussions around traffic safety.

Tips for Safe Driving

To enhance road safety, NRSF provides essential tips for dealing with speeding drivers:

• - If someone in the left lane wants to pass you, safely move over to allow them to do so.
• - Maintain a safe distance from speeding vehicles to avoid potential accidents.
• - Adjust your driving accordingly, especially when tailgated by aggressive drivers—do not engage, but rather safely maneuver away.
• - Report any aggressive driving behavior to the authorities, particularly if you feel threatened.

Passengers also play a vital role in promoting safe driving. It is encouraged that they speak up if they notice aggressive or excessive speeding by their driver.

Enter the Contest

Interested participants can find more about the contest details, entry forms, and last year’s winning video by visiting the NRSF website at www.nrsf.org/contests/drive2life. This platform not only showcases the past winners but also offers a wealth of free educational materials designed to engage and educate teens about speeding hazards and responsible driving.

The National Road Safety Foundation has dedicated more than 60 years to promoting safe driving initiatives, offering free educational resources for teachers, parents, and advocacy groups. Their commitment extends to addressing various traffic safety concerns, including distracted driving, impaired driving, and more.

This contest not only inspires teenagers to think critically about road safety but also empowers them to influence their peers positively. With their creativity, they can help save lives by spreading awareness of the perilous consequences of speeding. Let's drive home the message: safety comes first on the roads!