BCAA video challenge encourages teens to talk to other teens about the dangers of impaired driving

Grade 12 students can win up to $6,000 for their school's dry grad celebration

BURNABY, BC, Sept. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - Starting on September 9, 2013, the British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA), in partnership with its Road Safety Foundation, is launching its fourth annual Dry Grad Video Challenge. Grade 12 students throughout B.C. and the Yukon are invited to create a compelling 90 second video which speaks to their peers—and speaks out, against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Students submitting videos have the chance to win prizes that will help fund their high school's dry grad event.

Grade 12 students have until November 4, 2013, to submit their videos on the bcaa.com/drygrad website. Videos will be judged by a panel which will consist of representatives from areas such as: BCAA Road Safety Foundation, road and public safety experts, marketing, broadcasting and video production. The top five videos will appear on BCAA's website for public voting in December. A complete list of contest rules and details can be found at bcaa.com/drygrad.

Winners will be announced in January, and the producers of the first, second and third place videos will be awarded $6,000, $4,000 and $2,000 respectively to support their school's dry grad celebration.

Based on a five-year average of police-reported incidents between 2007 and 2011 (the latest data available), 16- to 25-year-olds account for the highest number of impaired drivers involved in crashes.

"Keeping British Columbians safe on our roads is a top priority for BCAA and making teens aware of the importance of practicing safe driving habits early on, can help ensure they drive responsibly in their adult years," says Niela Melanio, BCAA's Communication and Community Impact specialist. "Our Dry Grad Video Challenge not only gives Grade 12 students a chance to help raise funds for their school's dry grad event, it also gives teens a chance to inspire their peers to make responsible choices and never drive while impaired."

For over 20 years, BCAA has been supporting high schools with its Dry Grad program. Last year, the Dry Grad Video Challenge generated over 5,000 online votes. Collectively, the top five videos received over 14,000 views on YouTube. Visit bcaa.com/drygrad to view winning videos from previous years.

The first 75 high schools submitting a qualified video will each receive a free one-year BCAA Basic Membership certificate which 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 home, auto and travel insurance services, and legendary roadside assistance. J.D. Power has ranked BCAA "Highest In Customer Satisfaction among Home Insurance Providers in Western Canada" two years in a row (2012 and 2013) - details at jdpower.com. Now in its 107th year, BCAA has over $460 million in annual sales, 27 locations and over 900 employees. To learn more about the benefits of BCAA Membership, visit bcaa.com. For more information on the BCAA Road Safety Foundation visit bcaaroadsafety.com.

 

SOURCE: British Columbia Automobile Association

For further information, or to request an interview, please contact:

Niela Melanio, BCAA Communication Specialist
Office: 604-268-5342
Cell: 778-228-8859
Email: [email protected]