INDIANAPOLIS (March 25, 2016) –Indiana high school, trade school and college students have a decision to make when it comes to their personal smartphones; use them when they’re behind the wheel and make a tragic mistake, or engage their social media followers to “Drive Now. TXT L8R.” and earn up to $5,000 in scholarships.
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, Indiana Department of Labor, Indiana Department of Transportation and Indiana State Police are again partnering together to award up to $5,000 in scholarships to students who create and post the most creative videos and images on social media warning about the dangers of texting while driving.
Students may read contest rules and register their Twitter accounts at www.txtl8r.in.gov. Photo and video entries must be public and will need to use the hashtag #TXTL8RIN. They will also need to be cross-posted to the registered Twitter account in April which is “Distracted Driving Awareness Month”.
Contest officials remind everyone that keeping one’s hands on the wheel and eyes on the road is not just a safe driving practice – it’s the law. Social media posts that are composed for the contest while driving will be disqualified.
Individual winners will receive $5,000 and up to four team members will receive $2,500 each deposited into their CollegeChoice 529 savings plans.
Entries will be judged for both the High School and Post-secondary categories of ” Most Creative Image” and “Most Creative Video”
Winning entries from the 2015 contest can be seen at www.in.gov/dol/2894.htm. The public may view contest entries as they are posted during the month of April at @TXTL8R_IN.
