Some Wilton students are looking to win a grant by showcasing the perils of distracted driving. Impact Teen Drivers is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating teens in schools on the dangers of reckless driving.
Students from across the country can create original works showcasing their solutions or strategies to fix distracted driving. NJM Insurance Group is providing the funding for educational grants of up to $5,000 to students aged 14-22 who submit a 30-second PSA. There is also a category for teachers and advisors to participate in a distracted driving social media campaign with their students. Teachers can win up to $10,000 for their classroom or school. The Just Drive Contest closes at the end of October, followed by online voting.
Wilton High School Video Production Teacher Maria Naeem says they hope other schools will also submit PSAs so the message can get to as many kids as possible.
Naeem says the Superintendent sent out information about contests to make learning more engaging for students. She says studies have found 75 percent of all fatal crashes do not involve drugs or alcohol but everyday reckless and distracted driving. A dozen students got involved in producing the PSA and sharing the information with others.
Jeannette, a rising Senior, says this inspired her to become a better driver.
Adi, a rising Junior, says they would like to get more people involved with the video production club, while also educating others about distracted driving.
