NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Bridgestone Americas is proud to announce the release of safe driving PSAs created by teenagers in the 2012 Teens Drive Smart Video Contest. The Bridgestone program empowers teens to create impactful videos that influence their peers to make smart, responsible decisions when they drive. The PSAs will be distributed to TV stations across the country to help spread these important messages.

"We surveyed more than 2,000 15 – 21 year olds this year and found that although teens are aware of what distracted driving is, they often believe they are safe drivers and don't get distracted behind the wheel," said Angela Patterson, Manager, Teens Drive Smart Program, Bridgestone Americas.  "We hope these PSAs will reinforce the message to both new and veteran drivers just how important it is to put the phone away and focus on driving."

"Texting and cell phone use behind the wheel is dangerous for people of all ages, but especially our youngest and most inexperienced drivers," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.  "These PSAs – created for teens, by teens – are a terrific reminder of the importance of putting safety first each and every time you get behind the wheel."

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that automobile collisions are the leading cause of death among American teens.  The hope is that TV stations will air these PSAs, creating change and letting young drivers know that making smart driving decisions can save lives.

For more information about the Teens Drive Smart program and to view the PSAs produced by students, please visit www.teensdrivesmart.com.  For more information about what the U.S. Department of Transportation is doing to eliminate distracted driving, please visit www.distraction.gov.

About the PSAs:

"A Reciprocal of Teen Drivers," is a group of sentences that initially illustrate a negative attitude for teen drivers, but when read in reverse order, the words present an unique and positive message about teen driving.

The video, "August 19," was made by a student whose friend died last fall in a distracted driving accident.  It encourages drivers to stay focused and alert behind the wheel.

Animated characters are used in "My Distractions" to illustrate how dangerous distractions can be when you're driving.

"Save a Life" shows what can happen when you decide to text behind the wheel and how a simple text can alter your life forever.

"It Can Wait" illustrates situations where you would never consider texting in order to drive home the point that texting while driving is a poor choice for anyone.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:

Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world's largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home.

SOURCE Bridgestone Americas, Inc