Teens encouraged to create distracted driving PSA

Maryland teens could win a prize for creating their own distracted driving commercial.

Teens in Maryland have a chance to win thousands of dollars for entering a video public service announcement (PSA) contest dealing with distracted driving.

The competition is sponsored by television station WBAL, the Maryland Highway Safety Foundation, the state Department of Education and the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. Students have from November 1 to December 31 to submit their PSA to the news provider.

Submitted PSAs must mention either passenger restriction laws or rules dealing with talking on a cellphone or texting while driving. Other elements of distracted driving - such as adjusting a radio, talking with passengers or eating - can also be a part of the video.

The first-place individual or team will receive $4,000 for their effort. Second place will get $3,000, and third will net $2,000. No more than five teens may be part of one team, although there is no limit as to how many students can actually appear in the 30-second PSA.

WBAL's contest is similar to efforts across the country trying to get teens involved in distracted driving education. For example, auto insurance company Allstate has its own program called Keep the Drive.