Press Releases
Montgomery County ‘Heads Up, Phones Down’ Teen Video Contest Accepting Submissions Through Friday, Feb. 28
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 4, 2025
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is asking area high school students to spread the message to put their phones away when on the road.
The annual “Heads Up, Phones Down” contest invites teens to create short videos promoting the importance of focusing on their surroundings instead of their phones while walking or driving. Students can win prizes worth up to $800 and earn up to five Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for their efforts. MCDOT will be accepting entries of 30-second Public Service Announcements (PSAs) through Friday, Feb. 28.
County public and private high school students are eligible to submit contest videos in English or Spanish. Entries can be submitted individually or from a group of up to four students.
"Distracted driving and walking put lives at risk, and too often, we see the tragic consequences,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Young people are among the most vulnerable on our roads, but they also have the power to change the culture around phone use. The ‘Heads Up, Phones Down’ contest is an opportunity for students to use their creativity to send a message to their peers that can help save lives. I encourage every high schooler in Montgomery County to take part—because putting the phone away, whether you’re behind the wheel or crossing the street, is a simple step that makes a real difference."
Submissions will be grouped into two categories: individual or group projects. Individual entries can win an Apple Mac Book Air, an Apple Watch or tripod. Winning group submissions will split an $800 grand prize, $400 second prize and $200 third prize, with a Visa gift card for each member.
Students can submit their entries on the online entry form. Videos must be submitted via YouTube as a public video so it can be reviewed. Students also may qualify for up to five Student Service Learning hours for successfully completing an entry.
“Driving while distracted poses a serious risk to everyone on the road,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that's like driving the length of an entire football field blindfolded. In a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 39 percent of teens admitted to texting or emailing while driving. 'Heads Up, Phones Down' gives teens a crucial voice in eliminating this dangerous and alarmingly common practice and we hope it will have a lasting impression on their peers.”
Winning contestants will be visited by MCDOT staff and will have their videos posted on MCDOT’s Safe Routes to School website on Friday, March 14. Last year's winning videos can be viewed online.
Visit the contest website for more information at montgomerycountymd.gov/HUPD.
Send contest-related questions to [email protected].
For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X,Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
# # #
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-372-2282
Categories: Transportation