Students Take Distracted Driving Campaign to the Street

A group of students are competing in a statewide competition to promote a short commercial to "highlight the dangers of distracted driving by using a catchy jingle that will appeal to young drivers."

You can vote for Haddonfield by going to U Got Brains School Championship Website.

The deadline is April 30. The grand prize is a $10,000 driving simulator that gives students a real-life driving experience without actually being on the road.

Vote early and often!

Here's what the students have done or are planning to do to promote the campaign:

* Created a T-shirt asking drivers to "Keep Your Eyes on The Road" which we are currently selling at the High School for $7

* Welcomed guest speaker Angela Donato, sister of Toni Bolis who was killed along with her unborn son when her car was hit head on by a young driver who was distracted behind the wheel

* Welcomed guest speakers Officer Lou Baselice and Chief Joe Walls who spoke about the laws and tragedies they see in their professions in dealing with distracted driving related crashes

* Walked around town during First Friday collecting signatures on a petition to increase the penalties for people who cause accidents as a result of driving distracted

* Collected signatures on pledges from people who vow to not text or use their phone, gps, etc. while behind the wheel and not allow another driver to do so when they are in the car

* Handed out awareness bands (Livestrong type bans) for your thumbs, reminding people not to pick up their phone while behind the wheel

* Created a PSA on distracted driving.  The video is currently on YouTube and we would love for you to view it http://youtu.be/535XxCLgVow (The PSA was written, performed, filmed and edited by student members of the group) The video also features Derian Hatcher, former Philadelphia Flyer's Captain and Braydon Coburn, current Philadelphia Flyer who felt our message was so important and wanted to get involved.

* Tomorrow (Friday, April 20) the student body, faculty and staff (including our seniors who leave for their senior trip in the wee hours of the morning) will be wearing the color GREEN, which is the color representing Safe Driving.  Awareness ribbons will be given out and press releases have been sent to hopefully get some media coverage on our mission.  In addition, there will be signs on the front lawn of the school, symbolic of all of the lives lost in 2010 as a result of distracted driving.  I encourage you to stop by the high school and visit us!

From Rachel Gould, HMHS faculty adviser:

We are currently competing with 30 other schools to see who can create the most awareness! If you have time, please vote for our school at http://www.ugotbrains.com/champion-schools-program/2012-participants/Haddonfield-Memorial-HS/. You are able to vote everyday! Voting is open through the end of April, so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE vote and vote often!!!

This group of 15 students have worked extremely hard on this and it has become very personal to them. If you see them, please feel free to congratulate them on their hard work!

Group Members:

Miranda Toci, Caroline Carpenter, Chris Ellis, Sarah Jane Harrison, Lily Gregorio, Natalie Motolese, Carter Fichter, Jill Stone, Ali LaMaina, Olivia Loperfido, Taylor Jacobs, Charlie O'Neill, Tate Kamish, Emily Stasi and Shallyn Hatcher

Thank you so much for your support! And, remember, please put down that phone when you are in the car!!