Calling Teen Filmmakers: Toyota and Discovery Launch Safe Driving PSA Challenge

SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Learning to drive is an exciting time for a teen. But facts have shown it can be extremely dangerous.  A short video that promotes safe driving habits might be all that it takes to become aware of dangerous driving situations. That is why Toyota and Discovery Education launched the 2018 TeenDrive365 Video Challenge.

Now in its sixth year, the challenge, sponsored by Discovery Education, invites teens to submit an original 30-60 second Public Service Announcement for 9-12 grade students about safe driving habits.  The grand prize includes $15,000 cash and the opportunity to work with a Discovery Film Crew to re-shoot the entry video into a TV-ready PSA. Teens can register and submit their entries today through February 28, 2018 at TeenDrive365inschool.com.

"This contest continues to encourage students, parents and teachers to have critical conversations about the importance of making smart choices behind the wheel," said Mike Goss, general manager, Toyota Social Innovation. "Every year we are amazed by the variety of unique and inspiring videos we receive and look forward to seeing this year's entries."

This year, a panel of judges comprised of community leaders, educators, communications experts and Toyota representatives will convene to select challenge winners. Since the inception of the competition, thousands of video submissions have been considered, and the effort has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in student grants and prizes. The top ten finalists' videos ? some amusing and others more serious in tone ? communicate the importance of maintaining safe driving habits and avoiding fatal distractions while behind the wheel.

"The TeenDrive365 Video Challenge inspires meaningful peer-to-peer conversations across digital learning environments, with the goal of empowering young drivers with the tools they need to help other students develop safer driving habits," said Lori McFarling, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Discovery Education.

This year's challenge grants include:

• Grand Prize- $15,000 and the chance to work with a Discovery film crew to reshoot the winning video as a TV-ready PSA;
• Second Place- $10,000;
• Third Place- $7,500;
• Fourth through Tenth Places- $2,500 each;
• Four Regional Prizes- $1,000 each; and
• One People's Choice Prize? selected online through public vote - $5,000 and a trip to attend a taping of a show that airs on Discovery Communications' Velocity Network.

Visit TeenDrive365InSchool.com to learn more about the annual Teen Video Challenge to help promote safe teen driving! For more information about the TeenDrive365 Video Challenge or to watch winning videos from the 2016-2017 challenge, visit TeenDrive365InSchool.com or click HERE.

About Toyota TeenDrive365
TeenDrive365: In School is a comprehensive program designed by Toyota and Discovery Education to help teens avoid distractions and stay safe behind the wheel. The initiative offers a range of content, tools and resources designed specifically for educators and teens.

Available at no cost to classrooms nationwide, these resources include: standards-aligned lesson plans for grades 9-12, activities that teach appropriate behaviors for young drivers and passengers, Heads Up! ? an Interactive Road Distraction Challenge that allows teens to virtually experience some of the dangers of distracted driving, and a collection of online events, tools and social media elements that underscore how teens can make a difference by driving safely.

About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content, professional development, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Serving 4.5 million educators and over 50 million students, Discovery Education's services are in half of U.S. classrooms, 50 percent of all primary schools in the UK, and more than 50 countries. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that increase academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

For more information about Discovery Education's Streaming Plus, digital content and professional development services, visit discoveryeducation.com. Stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Facebook, follow us on Twitter at @DiscoveryEd, or find us on Instagram and Pinterest

Contacts
Discovery Education
Charmion N. Kinder
[email protected] 

Toyota Media Line
469-292-5100

SOURCE Toyota Motor North America