The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) recently showcased the winners of its "Heads Up, Phones Down" video contest, a campaign aimed at discouraging distracted driving and walking among teens. High school students across Montgomery County were called upon to create videos that would resonate with their peers and spread the crucial message of keeping eyes on the road and not on phones. According to a release from the county, the grand prize for individual entries went to Htoo Lin from Richard Montgomery High School, while the team category was snagged by David Salinas and Zachary Long of Seneca Valley High School.
Almost 100 entries were submitted as part of the contest, which reflects a growing concern over the rise in incidents caused by distraction from mobile devices. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized the importance of peer influence in promoting safety, stating, “Our young people are often the most effective messengers when it comes to promoting safety.” He commended the nearly 100 students for their participation and efforts to curb a deadly habit. Prizes for the contest included Apple products and cash awards, distributed on Visa gift cards for team winners to split.
The MCDOT celebrated the creativity of these students by visiting the winners' schools on March 14 with a display of festive balloons and the announcement of their success in the contest. The grand prize for groups was valued at $800, while individual winners like Lin received an Apple MacBook Pro. Other participants also took home awards for first and second-runner-up prizes. The initiative underscores the dangers of distracted driving, with MCDOT Director Chris Conklin highlighting that dialing or texting while driving significantly increases the risk of crashes for teen drivers.
The winning videos can be watched on the contest’s official website, where photos of the winners and their creative works are also available. This effort represents part of MCDOT's broader mission to improve roadway safety. For more details on MCDOT's various programs and services, the public can follow the department's social media accounts or subscribe to the newsletter, both of which provide updates and information on how to engage with and benefit from their initiatives.
