Local org. encourages teenagers to write a holiday song about road safety

SALEM, Virginia. Attention, teenagers and parents of Virginia. You can enter the contest to win $500 plus the chance to record a jingle for statewide audio platforms like Spotify and Pandora.

Virginia Youth Speak Out for Traffic Safety, also known as YOVASO, is calling on young people to present a holiday jingle of no more than 30 seconds. The theme of the jingle should be based on road safety and can be introduced individually or as part of a youth group.

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Over the past three years, 16 teens ages 15 to 19 have been killed and more than 1,300 injured in car crashes in the state over the past three years, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

To encourage more teens to drive safer, YOVASO is looking for musicians to submit these jingles for a chance to win $500 and a chance to have their song heard on streaming services like Spotify, Pandora and iHeartRadio.

“I definitely want to see creativity. It is important that the message revolves around buckling up as well as responsible driving… if possible, including avoiding drugs and alcohol during the holiday months, especially in the car,” said Casey Taylor, YOVASO Program Development Coordinator.

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Applications will be accepted until midnight 23:59 on December 5th. YOVASO will select the top six jingles, followed by a voting process from December 8 to 11.

“The jingle competition is a fun and creative way for teens to remind each other to buckle up and drive safely during this high-risk period,” said Mary King, YOVASO program manager. “We know that all youth and teens love music and these Safe Driving Jingles are a great way to reach youth across the state. We encourage all teens and youth groups to get creative and have fun creating catchy and catchy holiday music.”

The winner of the high school division will receive $500 and an entry opportunity. Second place will receive $200 and third place will receive $100.

The winner of the middle school competition will receive $200, second place will receive $100, and third place will receive $50.