KHP, KDOT create scholarship contest

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

When youth are given the privilege to drive, they are handed the keys to their safety and the safety of those who ride with them and share the road with them.

To encourage teenage drivers to talk to each other about the importance of traffic safety, the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Kansas Department of Transportation have formed a new scholarship contest to promote Youth Traffic Safety Month in May, a KHP statement said.

"Spring is an exciting time for youth," KDOT Bureau of Traffic Safety Chief Pete Bodyk said. "While thinking about their summer plans, we also want youth to think about how they can improve their driving habits and those of their peers."

In the contest, three $500 scholarships will be awarded to Kansas students who are currently enrolled in grades 9-12. One scholarship will be awarded in each of the following categories: a 30-second public service announcement for radio; a 30-second public service announcement for television; or an 11-by-17-inch poster.

Entries must address at least one of the following topics: seat belts; drinking and driving; reckless and distracted driving; motorcycle safety; and/or speeding. Entries must be postmarked no later than May 30. Full contest rules, entry forms and posters are available online at www.kansashighwaypatrol.org.

"Safety is not an accident; youth can take specific actions to be safer drivers and passengers," KHP Superintendent Col. Terry Maple said. "This contest is an excellent opportunity for youth to think about steps they can take to become responsible drivers."

The contest is being conducted in coordination with the second annual National Youth Traffic Safety Month, sponsored by the National Organizations for Youth Safety.