The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is encouraging high school students to promote safe driving and walking habits through its annual “Heads Up, Phones Down” video contest. The contest urges students to create 30-second public service announcements (PSAs) highlighting the dangers of using phones while on the road.
Students can submit videos individually or in groups of up to four. Eligible participants include public and private high school students in Montgomery County. Entries can be in English or Spanish. MCDOT will accept submissions until Friday, Feb. 28.
The contest offers prizes worth up to $800. Individual winners can receive an Apple MacBook Air, an Apple Watch, or a tripod. Group winners will split an $800 grand prize, a $400 second prize, or a $200 third prize, with Visa gift cards for each member. Participants can also earn up to five Student Service Learning (SSL) hours.
Winning videos will be posted on MCDOT’s Safe Routes to School website on Friday, March 14. MCDOT staff will visit the winners to recognize their efforts.
Students must submit their entries via YouTube as a public video and complete an online entry form. More details are available at the MCDOT website. montgomerycountymd.gov/HUPD. Send questions to pedestrian.safety@montgomerycountymd.gov.
