Online Voting Now Open in Bridgestone Teens Drive Smart Video Contest

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Online voting to select the top three finalists in the Bridgestone Teens Drive Smart Video Contest has officially begun. The three finalists with the most votes are eligible to win $35,000 in scholarships and the chance to have his or her video aired as a public service announcement (PSA) on television stations nationwide.

The annual contest, sponsored by Bridgestone Americas, asks teenagers to create short films on the importance of safe driving. Online voting, taking place at www.teensdrivesmart.com, is open through July 31. From musical interpretations to simple messages with major impacts, all ten videos remind viewers to drive smart.

The public will decide the final three entrants, who will then compete for the top prize. Fans are encouraged to vote for their favorite video on the website once a day throughout the voting period. The winners will each receive college scholarships: first place receives $20,000; second place receives $10,000 and third place receives $5,000. Ranking of the three finalists will be decided by a panel of judges.

Judges selected the top 10 most compelling videos submitted by 16- to 21-year-olds across the United States. Selections were made based on how well the videos persuade viewers to be more safety-conscious drivers, as well as how effectively and creatively the message was communicated.

"Bridgestone's Teens Drive Smart program continues its commitment to equipping young drivers in making smarter decisions behind the wheel, and we are excited so many teens have joined us in this initiative. The creativity and talent of young drivers across the country in bringing distracted driving issues to the forefront through our video contest is inspiring," said Leslie Wilhite, Communications Manager, Teens Drive Smart. "Our third annual Teens Drive Smart survey revealed that teens say texting and driving is more dangerous than skydiving, yet young drivers are 50 times more likely to text and drive than skydive. So the video contest provides an effective platform for teens to educate one another on the perils of distracted driving and for us to continue affecting change in communities where we do business."

In addition to receiving college scholarships, the three finalists will also be eligible to have their video used as a PSA on television stations across the United States.

To vote for one of the finalist videos, learn about the results of the Teens Drive Smart survey or for more information about the contest (including official rules), visit www.teensdrivesmart.com.

The Video Contest is part of the Teens Drive Smart Program, which includes the Driving Experience. The Teens Drive Smart Driving Experience is a free half-day clinic that equips teens with knowledge and skills to make better decisions behind the wheel. The program features a safe, hands-on driving introduction for teens in a controlled environment. At the Driving Experience, teens are introduced to various driving maneuvers, shown the effects of distracted driving, and taught ways to help keep their vehicle running at peak performance. There are six stops remaining on the Teens Drive Smart Driving Experience tour. Young drivers can sign up to participate in the Teens Drive Smart Driving Experience at www.teensdrivesmart.com.

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.