Bridgestone’s teen safety education has given students the opportunity to create a short automotive safety-themed video that encourages their peers to make better decisions behind the wheel. Bridgestone will give out more than $35,000 in scholarships to the top winners.

“I think it is a great opportunity for students to receive money for college,” junior Alicia Ortiz said. “It is not that hard and it helps to influence people to make good choices when driving.”

The video must 25 or 55 seconds in length. A panel of judges will select 10 finalists based on the following criteria: how well the video compels viewers to be more safety-conscious when using their cars and how well the video effectively and creatively communicates it message.

“If you are one of the top 10 finalists,” senior Joseph Liput said, “your video gets to go on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter on July 14 and people will get to vote for the best three.”

Video submission is accepted from now until June 19 at www.teensdrivesmart.com. The public general will also have the opportunity to vote at that website. The grand prize-winning videos will be announced on the website August 7.