Connecticut DVM starts 2013 DMV teen safe driving video contes

WETHERSFIELD – The state Department of Motor Vehicles has launched its 2013 DMV teen safe driving video contest and wants to know: Are You In?
That question, in fact, is crux of the contest’s theme, which was designed by students, including some from Greater New Haven, according to statement from the DMV.
The DMV and corporate prize sponsor Travelers Companies launched the contest Wednesday, the statement said sent by DMV spokesman Bill Seymour said.
Students working on the project are Juhi Gupta, a Rocky Hill senior from Mercy High School in Middletown; Michael Brainerd of East Haven; Luke Edwards of Madison; Daniyal N. Khan of Berlin; and Patrick Kudej of Norwich. The students also are members of DMV’s Commissioner’s Advisory Committee on Teen Safe Driving, the statement said.
“Keeping Connecticut’s roads safe is everyone’s responsibility,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said, also in the statement. “Teaching our youngest drivers how to be safe behind the wheel saves lives. Stronger laws and innovative programs are one part of the solution, but raising awareness among teen drivers and their parents is the key to road safety. I applaud these young people for their commitment to get the word out to their peers.”
The statement also noted that a recent “parent survey as well as analysis of DMV teen driving laws show that the laws are helping to reduce teen crashes, injuries and deaths, but that public outreach like the contest is needed to help all parents and teens better understand the laws.”
The contest awards $15,000 in cash prizes to the high schools of winning students, the statement said.
“The five students volunteered to help make the contest, which has run annually since 2009, more appealing to teens across the state. They said a simple-to-understand theme that engages influential people, such as parents, friends or other teens, is at the heart of a convincing safety message,” the statement said. “The 25-second videos also must illustrate two or more of the state’s teen driving laws, too.”
The submission deadline is Jan. 23. The contest is open to all high-school age students. Information and rules can be found at www.ct.gov/teendriving/contest.
The teens plan to help increase the number of entries and participants from the 105 submissions in 2012,  to reach out to student councils, parent-teacher organizations and school officials through e-mails and to use social media to help promote the contest to other teens, the statement said.

. They have setup: 
•    Twitter: twitter.com/areyouin2013
•    YouTube: youtube.com/areyouin2013
•    Facebook: facebook.com/2013AreYouIn