BCAA awards $7,000 in prizes for Dry Grad Video Challenge

BURNABY, BC, Jan. 31, 2012 /CNW/ - After calling on Grade 12 students across B.C. and the Yukon to produce anti-impaired driving videos, the British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) is pleased to announce the winners of its second annual Dry Grad Video Challenge.

Last fall, Grade 12 students were challenged to produce videos urging fellow teens to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. From humourous to hard-hitting, graphic to abstract, 48 videos were submitted to the Challenge. The top five videos, selected by a panel of road and public safety experts, broadcasting and video production professionals and BCAA representatives, were placed online for public voting.

The video which received the most votes is from George Elliot Secondary School in Oyama, B.C. The grand prize of $4,000 will be awarded to the school to help fund its dry grad celebration. The two runners-up, also from B.C., are Hugh McRoberts Secondary School in Richmond and New Westminster Secondary School. Each school will receive $2,000 and $1,000 respectively for their dry grad events.

Over 6,500 online votes were submitted during the Challenge. Collectively, the top five videos received over 23,000 views on YouTube. Visit bcaa.com/drygrad to view the top three videos.

Based on a five-year average of police-reported incidents (the latest data available), 16- to 25-year-olds account for the highest number of impaired drivers each year. The latest B.C. Traffic Collision Statistics report indicates teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 years account for the second-highest number of all alcohol-related crashes, behind those 21- to 25-years old.

"We want to empower teens to make responsible driving choices and encourage them to support one another," says Tim Condon, BCAA President and CEO. "By providing young people a platform to speak to their peers, we're hoping the message that alcohol, drugs and driving don't mix, resonates amongst teens and, any adults for that matter, who watch these powerful videos."

BCAA would like to thank all the students who participated in the contest. The judging panel included:

• Allan Lamb, President and Chief Operating Officer, BCAA Road Safety Foundation
• Laurel Middelaer, Road and Public Safety Advocate, Alexa's Bus
• Connie Monk, Program Head, BCIT Broadcast and Online Journalism; News Director, Evolution 107.9 FM
• Chris Palliser, Radio Host, The Beat 94.5 FM
• Sergeant Peter Thiessen, Senior Media Relations Officer, RCMP Lower Mainland District Regional Police Service
• Heidi Worthington, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, BCAA

For over 20 years, BCAA has been supporting high schools with its Dry Grad program and in 2010 introduced the Dry Grad Video Challenge. Each school that entered a video received a free one-year BCAA Basic Membership. The membership can be used as a gift, door prize or auction item to help with the school's dry grad fundraising.

About BCAA
BCAA is one of the most trusted organizations in British Columbia, serving one-in-four B.C. households. With over 800,000 Members, BCAA provides an array of award-winning home, auto and travel insurance products and services, and roadside assistance. Members can also benefit from CAA Dollar rewards, savings on BCAA insurance products and exclusive offers at Show Your Card & Save locations throughout the province. BCAA has a proud history of serving British Columbians for over 105 years, over $400 million in annual sales, 27 locations and over 800 employees. And, BCAA has been named one the 50 Best Employers in Canada by international human resource consultants Aon Hewitt five times in the past six years. To learn more about the benefits of BCAA Membership, visit www.bcaa.com. For more information on the BCAA Road Safety Foundation visit www.BCAARoadSafety.com.

Editor's notes
For further information, or to request an interview, please contact:

Niela Melanio
BCAA Public Affairs and Media Specialist
Office: 604-268-5342
Cell: 778-228-8859
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @BCAA