New Data Shows Teens Still at Risk
Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20 year-olds in America. In 2006, 3,490 teenage drivers were killed and nearly 272,000 were injured in crashes. While teen injuries have declined more than 6 percent from 2005 to 2006, new data from NHTSA indicates that teen injuries still make up more than 16 percent of overall crash-related injuries, even though they represent only 8 percent of the driving public. Mile for mile, teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers.

• USDOT Press Release 
• Trends in Non-Fatal Traffic Injuries: 1996 - 2005

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s
Rural Youth Traffic Safety Message Competition
School- or community-supported youth organizations are eligible to compete in developing a traffic safety campaign aimed at rural youth. The campaign message should include a tagline or theme, and be designed for posters, print advertisements, internet, video, and/or radio. Campaign messages need to be implemented in at least one community.

Prizes Include:

• $500 Stipend - Awarded to Top Ten Finalist Teams to Implement Their Project
• First Place: $5,000 - To the Winning Team’s Local Organization
• Second Place: $2,000 - To the Runner-Up Team’s Local Organization
• Third Place: $1,000 - To the Second Runner-Up Team’s Local Organization

Prize money can be used to support traffic safety activities or to provide scholarships to acknowledge student leadership in traffic safety programs.

Representatives from top three teams will also win a trip to Washington, DC in December 2008 for a special award ceremony at the U. S. Department of Transportation!

Special Dates

• Applications are due June 30, 2008
• Top ten teams will be announced in July, 2008
• Winners will be announced November 25, 2008
• Winning message campaign will be used in 2009 National Youth Traffic Safety Month

U.S. Department of Transportation's 2008 Rural Safety Initiative
The Rural Youth Traffic Safety Message Competition is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's 2008 Rural Safety Initiative. For more information, please visit - www.dot.gov/affairs/ruralsafety/.