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We aren't going to ask you to stop wexting (walking + texting) just yet (though please, clear the sidewalks and watch your step), but if you haven't nipped that texting-while-driving habit in the bud by now (and really, if you haven't, you're already behind the times), the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) has monetary prizes (thanks for The Allstate Foundation) as motivation to join its crusade.
There are just a few more weeks left (until January 31 to be exact) to enter the Act Out Loud safe driving contest that could earn up to $10,000 for your school or local youth organization, some serenade time from star-on-the-rise Skylar and peace of mind while behind the wheel. Gather a team, get registered, fire up your creativity and crank out reward-worthy ideas. Over the next few months, contestants will target three point-earning activities — designing t-shirts, creating signs, tricking out your Facebook page — worth over $90,000 total in prize money. Ka-ching!
But Global Youth Traffic Safety Month isn't until May, you say. Why the mad push now?
Simple: Winter's rudest moments are likely yet to come, but as the days get longer, little by little, we're reminded that spring will once again come to the rescue just before cabin fever threatens to make us cray. We'll all shed layers, leave our houses, take advantage of summer break and go cruisin' for some Vitamin D. Unfortunately, eagerness + antsiness (+ prom + graduation parties + beach excursions, et al.) make for high hazards on the road, and May through August are the most dangerous times for teen drivers. During that time, 18 young drivers die on US highways every single day — a dramatic jump from the already tragic count of 11 deaths per day during the rest of the year. Unacceptable, right? So we gear up now, building hype so that by the time summer rolls around we've planted the seed.
Light your fuse by signing the AT&T safe driving pledge right now, declaring "From this day on, I promise not to text while driving." Done. Then head over to the Act Out Loud site to register your team and get the ball rolling.
actTAKE ACTION!
Take the Safe Driving Pledge
Texting and driving don't mix. Make a statement by backing the NOYS campaign.
