US Secretary of Transportation Ray La Hood announced that fourteen-year old Hah’mari Watson of Sanford, Florida, was the winner of the Distracted Driving Design Contest for creating the “Text & Wreck” icon. Hah’mari had been involved in a motor vehicle crash with family members and it prompted her to enter the contest. Created to raise awareness among young drivers about the dangers of texting and cell phone use behind the wheel, the Distracted Driving Design Challenge invited teens to create an original icon with an anti-distracted driving message that could be shared on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and other social networking sites. The winning design was selected by Secretary LaHood and will be incorporated into USDOT’s distracted driving campaign on Distraction.gov.
“I hope my design will help other young people realize just how dangerous it is to text and drive at the same time,” said Hah’mari Watson.
“As our volunteer speakers from EndDD.org have seen, there is no limit to the imagination and creativity of teens across the country. Teens will commit to driving safer and talking to friends and families about driving safer once they understand how dangerous any distraction can be. Hah’mari’s icon is just another example of that dedication and commitment,” said Joel Feldman from EndDD.org.
EndDD.org volunteer speakers receive a tested, scientifically designed power point presentation, with embedded videos to engage teens, a script of talking points and on-line and personal training. More than 50,000 high school students have seen the presentation in more than 20 states, and by this time next year over 275,000 students will have seen the presentation in all 50 states and many of the provinces in Canada. To see what students, speakers and schools are saying about the presentation, or to arrange for a presentation at your school or community event go to EndDD.org
