Coginchaug Among Best Again in DMV Contest

Coginchaug High School students have once again produced a video that has been selected as one of the Top 10 best entries in the 2012 DMV teen safe driving video contest.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy joined Travelers executives and other teen driving safety advocates Monday to vote on more than 100 entries into the competition, which requires students to create a public service announcement focused on teens talking to teens about safe driving. 

“Getting information and support to teen drivers is critical to keeping them safe behind the wheel,” Malloy said. “This contest helps us connect with our youngest drivers and ensure they understand their responsibility to minimize risks and develop good driving habits.  I commend all the students for their work —these young people represent a strong future for Connecticut.”

The contest's top five winners will be announced at an April awards ceremony. $15,000 in prizes will be awarded to winning students' schools - $5,000 for first place; $4,000 for second place; $3,000 for third place; $2,000 for fourth place; and $1,000 for fifth place.

In addition, the school of the team whose video gets the most views will receive a $1,000 cash prize from Travelers. (Click on the video to the right to view Coginchaug students' video)

Coginchaug is the only school in the state to finish in the contest's top 10 for four straight years.

A recent analysis by national researchers shows that Connecticut's laws are having a strong impact on deterring crashes with these drivers.

"We also believe that this contest and students' involvement is one way with high visibility for communities to help spread the message about safety behind the wheel for teens -- and everyone else," said DMV Commissioner Melody A. Currey.

Teen crashes have been dropping nationally due to the poor economy and tough teen driving laws like those in Connecticut. However, Connecticut has seen a strong drop above the national average, according to Preusser Research Group in Trumbull. Comparing the only full sets of Connecticut crash data available, which are 2007 through 2009, Preusser found a 34 percent reduction in 16 and 17-year-olds' crashes in Connecticut compared to a 26-percent national average.

The other schools selected by the group include Arts at the Capitol Theater (Willimantic), Daniel Hand High School(Madison), Darien High School, East Haven High School, Hall High School (West Haven)/3 videos, Manchester High School and Norwich Free Academy.