BINGHAMTON, NY - The New York State Association of Traffic Safety Boards (NYSATSB) is conducting a statewide radio public service announcement (PSA) contest to raise awareness about teen driving safety issues. Broome County students and student groups in 6th-12th grades can enter the “Save Your Friend’s Life Over the Airwaves” contest by submitting radio announcements addressing five risk factors associated with motor vehicle crashes and injuries which include: speeding/aggressive driving, failure to buckle up, drowsy driving, driving distractions and impaired driving. A winner will be chosen for each of the five categories. Entries are to be submitted on a CD along with a script of the recorded message.

The NYSATSB conducted the first “Save Your Friend’s Life Over the Airwaves” contest in 2006. More than 170 entries were received from participants in 24 counties. Winning entries were received from students or student groups from Monroe, Onondaga, Rockland and Lewis counties. You can listen to announcements by visiting the NYSATSB website at www.nysatsb.com.

The NYSATSB and the Broome County Traffic Safety Board is committed to preventing injuries due to traffic crashes. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of unintentional deaths and hospitalizations for 11-17 year olds in New York State. During 2002-2004, an average of 244 motor vehicle occupants were killed and 733 hospitalized yearly in this age group.

Research shows that teens can positively influence their peers to make choices that positively impact their health and safety. This contest provides an avenue for teens to develop messages that will persuade their peers to become safer drivers and passengers.

Winners in each of the five categories will receive $200 in awards, state and local recognition and have their messages aired as public service announcements on radio stations statewide. The contest materials are available through the NYSATSB website at www.nysatsb.com. The contest deadline is April 6, 2007. For more information about the contest, contact Christine Muss, Broome County Traffic Safety Program at cmuss@co.broome.ny.us or 607.778.2807 or Debra Douglass, New York State Department of Health Bureau of Injury Prevention at injury@health.state.ny.us or 518.473.1143.