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Toyota Announces TeenDrive365 Video Challenge Finalists

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toyota teendrive365 video challenge

Toyota’s TeenDrive365 program teaches young drivers how to stay safe behind the wheel

When you first pass your driving test, chances are you’re committed to being safe behind the wheel and becoming a good driver. But bad habits are easy to acquire, especially when you see your peers performing actions like texting behind the wheel. According to DoSomething.org, 16-year-olds have higher crash rates than any other age of drivers, and 33% of deaths among 13- to 19-year-olds in 2010 occurred in motor vehicle crashes. These statistics are extremely frightening, and highlight the importance to show teens how to become safe drivers.

For the last five years, Toyota has teamed up with Discovery Education to launch the Toyota TeenDrive365 Video Challenge. Each year, teens are encouraged to create short videos that will inspire their peers to drive more safely. For 2016, 10 finalists have been announced, and several winners will be announced later this month.

The 10 finalists’ videos are currently available for watching online, and viewers are encouraged to vote for their favorite. The winner will receive the People’s Choice Award, winning $5,000 and a behind-the-scenes trip to a taping of a Velocity network show. A panel of judges will pick a number of other prize winners in addition to the People’s Choice. The first-place winner will receive $15,000, and will get to work with a Discovery film crew to reshoot their video for use as a PSA that will air on various discovery networks.

Runners-up will be awarded the following prizes:

  • Second place: $10,000 and a behind-the-scenes trip to a Velocity network show taping
  • Third place: $7,500
  • Fourth to 10th place: $2,500 each
  • Four regional prizes: $1,000 each

The Video Challenge is part of a wider initiative by Toyota to help educate young drivers and their parents on the importance of safe driving. The TeenDrive365 program includes online tools, social media elements, events, tips, and expert advice. This year, Toyota will add two new elements to the program. The first will be a virtual field trip hosted by Cristy Lee, star of Velocity’s All Girls Garage, which will take viewers on a guided tour of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana to learn about new advances in automotive safety. The second will be the Science Behind Safe Driving learning module, which will encourage educators to discuss safe driving in an accessible manner.