NJM Insurance Group Announces Winners of Ohio “Just Drive” PSA Contest
May 17, 2023Awards totaling $22,500 presented to schools during Global Youth Traffic Safety Month
WEST TRENTON, NJ — NJM Insurance Group (NJM), in partnership with Impact Teen Drivers, is awarding a total of $22,500 to Ohio high schools in the second annual Ohio “Just Drive” Public Service Announcement (PSA) Video Contest.
Students representing 20 high schools in Ohio created social media campaigns with 30-second video PSAs highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and positive solutions to help end it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car crashes are a leading cause of preventable deaths for teens.
The three winning schools are:
- First Place: Polaris Career Center at Berea-Midpark High School (Middleburg Heights, OH) won $10,000 for the PSA, “Distracted Driving … Don’t Make it Your Thing,” which used an Addams Family theme to highlight teens’ commitment to safe driving behaviors.
- Second Place: Trumbull Career and Technical Center (Warren, OH) won $7,500 for the PSA, “Ed’s Education,” which focused on using the cell phone ‘do not disturb’ mode and simple techniques to avoid the four types of distracted driving: visual, manual, cognitive, and auditory.
- Third Place: Amherst Steele High School (Amherst, OH) won $5,000 for the PSA, “You’ve Got the Power #JustDrive,” which portrayed the serious responsibility of driving and the devastating impact that can occur when driving while distracted.
The competition presents a creative opportunity for teens to promote safe driving practices. The winning schools put their prize money toward educational supplies and tuition assistance.
“Our partner, Impact Teen Drivers, inspires students to engage in promoting a culture of safety within their schools,” said Erica Rosso, NJM Consumer Safety Partnership and Program Supervisor. “Year over year, this contest amplifies the power of teen voices as they raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Their collaborative work gives us promise that safer roads are achievable.”
“The Ohio Just Drive Contest invites young people to use their talents and take an active role in promoting the health and safety of drivers and passengers,” said Kelly Browning, Ph.D., Executive Director of Impact Teen Drivers. “We are grateful for NJM’s generous support that allows us to provide our evidence-based programs to engage, educate, and empower Ohio teens and their influencers to make lifesaving decisions in the car.”
NJM announced the winners in special virtual showcases on Facebook and Instagram on May 17, 2023. They also shared the news on TikTok. During the virtual presentation, participants viewed the winning submissions.
About NJM Insurance Group
Founded in 1913, NJM is among the Mid-Atlantic region’s leading property and casualty insurers. The Company operates in a mutual fashion for the exclusive benefit of its policyholders and is consistently recognized for its award-winning customer service, superior claims handling procedures, and overall customer satisfaction. NJM’s personal insurance products are available direct to consumers in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The Company also works with a preferred network of independent agents to deliver business insurance in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Visit njm.com to learn more.
About NJM’s Teen Driver Safety Program
NJM’s Teen Driver Safety Programs are offered at no cost to high schools in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. NJM’s research-based programs empower parents and teens with the information and resources they need to build safe driving skills. The Programs have reached more than 1.2 million parents and teens since their launch in 2013 and have been repeatedly recognized by the National Safety Council. For more information about NJM’s Teen Driver Safety Programs, or to schedule a program in your area please visit njm.com/teen-driver-safety.