SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Georgia Department of Transportation and We Are Teachers, a national educational media organization, announced on Thursday their idea to combat distracted driving.

The “Every Second Counts” video contest is for Georgia residents between 13-18 years old (as of August 1, 2025) currently enrolled in public, private, or home school programs.

“We know that young people can be some of the most powerful advocates for change,” said Russell R. McMurry, Georgia DOT Commissioner.

According to a press release, they wrote, “to create short, impactful public service announcements (PSAs) emphasizing how even a few seconds of distraction behind the wheel can lead to dangerous or deadly consequences. The campaign empowers students to speak directly to their peers and community through creative storytelling and video production.”

Students are encouraged to submit their videos by June 8, 2025, through their webpage.

GDOT and We Are Teachers have developed a Contest Toolkit:

• A tip sheet for crafting a compelling message
• A blank storyboard to plan out ideas
• A fact sheet with distracted driving statistics

“This contest gives them the tools and the platform to raise awareness and make a real difference in how their friends and families think about driving,” said McMurry. “We’re so pleased that Keep Georgia Safe has been embraced by teachers, students, and parents across the state and we’re excited to see the creativity of Georgia’s students in helping spread the word about the dangers of distracted driving.”

There are cash prices for winning videos ranging from $250-$500 gift cards. A teacher will also receive a $500 gift card for sharing the program with their students.

“This is a meaningful opportunity for students to get involved in something that directly impacts their lives,” said Hannah Hudson, editorial director at We Are Teachers. “We’re excited to see their creativity and passion shine through in the entries.”

The contest is part of the broader Keep Georgia Safe program which launched last year to bring road safety education to K–12 classrooms across Georgia.

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