Young drivers can advocate against distracted driving and, in return, receive scholarship money.
Julie Garner is the founder of Project Yellow Light, which she created to warn young drivers of the dangers of distracted driving after her son was killed in an accident at the age of 16.
She made this project in honor of him, and so many people have been educated on the dangers of distracted driving through her project.
During an appearance on the WCUB Breakfast Club, Julie explained that there is one main problem that drivers have that leads to the most accidents.
“We just need to put our phones away while driving and concentrate on driving,” she said.
Project Yellow Light encourages young drivers to educate themselves and their peers on the dangers of distracted driving.
“The winners get a scholarship. Their work is also either a TV spot, a radio spot, or a billboard ad. And it’s shared across the county, so it’s pretty amazing that they have all this ability to have their work displayed across the county,” Garner explained. “We announce our winners in Times Square in New York, which is just incredible.”
One of the winners this year, Benji Johnston, is a resident of Cederberg, Wisconsin.
As a young driver himself, he is motivated to keep his fellow drivers safe.
“As a new driver, I see examples of distracted driving as I see people on their phones while driving, and I think this message is very important,” he explained. “Especially because there’s a lot at stake when you text and drive, it’s your life, it’s other people’s lives. And I just think being able to spread awareness about that is just a great opportunity.”
This annual competition starts in October, and the winners are chosen in June. This year, the winners will be announced on June 26th.
To find more information, visit ProjectYellowLight.com.
