ODOT holding K-8 School Safety Contest | News

BOWLING GREEN, OH (PRESS RELEASE) - Now through April 30, students in grades K-8 can enter to win prizes as part of the Ohio Department of Transportation’s “Every Move You Make, Keep It Safe” interactive School Safety Contest.

All students have to do is create a project that proves they understand how to be safe when walking or riding bikes to school.  Students can win new Trek bikes or running shoes. Teachers and schools can win a $1,000 award to support school safety education. Plus, schools will receive opportunities to attend walking school bus and crossing guard trainings. The Deadline to enter is Monday, April 30.

To enter: 
Step 1: Go to www.everymove.ohio.gov  and click on the Safe Routes to School Safety Contest
Step 2: Follow the instructions. Complete the student, classroom or school online contest entry form
Step 3: Review the contest rules and send in your completed projects

The campaign focuses on reducing crashes around Ohio schools.  According to ODOT, between 2008 and 2010, there were 11,734 bicycle and pedestrian-related crashes that occurred near Ohio K-8 schools resulting in 244 fatalities and 7,350 injuries

“Safely walking and biking to school is everyone’s opportunity and responsibility,” said Todd Audet, ODOT District Two Deputy Director. “It’s simply a matter of increasing awareness and obeying some basic rules”.

Thirty-six winning students, classrooms and schools will win prizes for creating their own messages and materials to engage students and improve their safety knowledge. Projects will be judged on creativity, level of student participation, knowledge of safety practices, and positive impact on the local school environment.

The “Every Move You Make, Keep It Safe” educational campaign was developed as part of the Ohio Safe Routes to School Program.  The campaign represents ODOT’s largest, most comprehensive effort to-date to educate people about school traffic safety.