Attorney General Schwalb Announces Student Video Contest to Raise Awareness About the Dangers of Driving Under the Influence

High-School Students Encouraged to Create Social Media Public Service Announcements to Reduce Impaired Driving, Improve Traffic Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today announced the second annual “Impaired? – No Time to Drive” student video contest challenging District high school students to submit brief, creative Public Service Announcement videos highlighting the dangerous consequences of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Participation will count toward community service credits that students need to graduate.

“Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol unfortunately too often leads to devastating, life-changing consequences, both for those who drive while impaired and those that they injure,” said AG Schwalb. “Today, we’re partnering with District agencies to encourage young people to harness their creativity to influence their peers about the dangers of driving under the influence.”

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs endangers the driver and their passengers, as well as the lives of pedestrians and other drivers and riders. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day, 29 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This amounts to one death every 50 minutes. And, sadly, one in 10 high schoolers drive impaired.

Students can help change these grim statistics and earn up to 10 of the required 100 community service hours needed for graduation. Participating students will also be entered to win prizes for the best submissions.

Students have an opportunity to create a short 30-60 second PSA video designed to educate their peers about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving. Students must research the topic and film a short, creative video encouraging their peers not to engage in impaired driving behavior.

This contest is open to all District high school students. Entries can be made by an individual or by groups of up to 4 students. However, each student may only submit one video.

There will be a first, second, and third place prize that will be awarded regardless of whether the submissions were from individuals or groups. Winning group submissions will split the prize among the group.

The contest opens today and runs through January 31, 2024. The winners will be notified on February 14, 2024.

More information, including details on how to register and submit videos in addition to tips for creating effective videos can be located here.