Lookin’ Up to Lookin’ Out

June 12, 2008 - “I want to be just like my big sister,” says 6-year-old Sophie Markle in this year’s winning Lookin’ Out public service announcement (PSA).

Teen drivers are not only responsible for their own lives; they’re also responsible for the lives of others. It’s easy to forget our actions, both good and bad, are often imitated by children. That’s the message students from Selinsgrove High School in Selinsgrove, Pa., are sending with the latest Lookin’ Out PSA.

Over 70 schools across 10 states participated in Lookin’ Out, ERIE’s safe teen driving program, during the 2007-08 school year. The schools were invited to submit a script for the program’s annual PSA contest to bolster safety awareness and positively impact teen driving.

This year’s winning entry entitled “My Big Sister” is the eighth PSA produced by teens and ERIE’s Media Services staff geared toward young drivers.

Role models

Selinsgrove sophomores Courtney Lester and Gabby Damiano came up with the idea for this year’s PSA after being part of a seat belt safety presentation for elementary school students. Selinsgrove’s Lookin’ Out teens put on the presentation.

“Teenagers take for granted the potential they have to be good influences,” says Damiano. “We want to remind teens that even small actions make a big difference.”

Selinsgrove High School students were also motivated to get involved with Lookin’ Out after a tragic one-car accident claimed the life of their classmate, 17-year-old Lauren Harris, two years ago. On a rainy Sunday, Harris lost control of her car and hit a tree. What caused her to lose control is unknown.

‘Every time, every ride’

Shane Brown, field production specialist, Media Services, was part of the selection committee and served as cinematographer for the production filmed on location in Selinsgrove, located approximately 50 miles north of Harrisburg. “Selinsgrove was selected,” Brown says, “because their idea put a new twist on an old, but important, message about seat belt safety.”

The spot begins with Markle reading a report about her big sister to her Kindergarten class. Scrapbook pictures of Markle and Damiano, who plays the big sister, flash across the screen. The scene dramatically changes as the girls are shown in the back of an ambulance with Markle on a stretcher. Lester adds a voiceover that reminds viewers to wear their seat belts, “every time, every ride.”

A powerful name

ERIE Agent Mark Dersham of A.A. Shaffer Jr. and Son Insurance Agency in Shamokin Dam, Pa., serves as the Agent advisor to Selinsgrove’s Lookin’ Out program. “Lookin’ Out — that name is powerful,” says Dersham. “We really are looking out for our young drivers. Putting in a little time to pass that message along helps keep us all alive.”

The PSA has been released and is currently airing on the local cable television network in Selinsgrove. You can view all the winning PSA productions on the Lookin’ Out Web site.

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