Quit Clowning Around!
2009 Lookin' Out PSA highlights distracted driving
Drop the doughnut, forget the cell phone, and quit clowning around! That's the message teens at Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) in Syracuse, N.Y. want to send their peers in the latest student-directed public service announcement (PSA) produced in conjunction with Erie Insurance's Lookin' Out program.
Erie Insurance invited Lookin' Out schools to submit a PSA script that positively impacted teen driving behavior in the annual contest. More than 80 schools participated in the Lookin' Out safe teen driving program during the 2008-09 academic year.
By teens for teens
CBA Senior James Domachowske came up with the winning PSA idea and enlisted classmates James Gavigan, Brett Keegan, Matthew Kirkman, Dan LaCombe, and Hersh Sangani to help write, produce and film the 30-second PSA. "We wanted to show kids that distractions really do add up and make it difficult to drive safely," says Domachowske.
Domachowske had the initial idea to have clowns in the car as passengers and the group expanded on it by highlighting other common driving distractions such as eating, reading and cell phone use.
"We're really glad other kids are going to get a chance to see our video," says committee member Matthew Kirkman. "Hopefully they'll learn something and cut down on distractions while driving."
'Distracted driving is dangerous driving'
Erie Insurance agent Steve Corapi of the R.G. Wright Agency, Inc. in Auburn, N.Y. has served as a liaison to the school's Lookin' Out program for the past two years. As an alumnus of CBA, Corapi was especially pleased to see the students rewarded for their efforts.
"This PSA is a great reminder that when you're behind the wheel of a vehicle, nothing is more important than focusing on the road," says Corapi. "Distracted driving is dangerous driving, especially for young, inexperienced drivers."
The Lookin' Out teen driving program was created by Erie Insurance to address the number one killer of teens – auto accidents. Lookin' Out seeks to educate young drivers and save lives. The program uses positive peer reinforcement through messages created by students for their friends.
For information about starting a Lookin' Out program at your school, visit the "Getting Started" tab above, or contact Lookin' Out program coordinator, Megan Euston, at 1-800-458-0811, ext 7154 or megan.euston@erieinsurance.com.
Watch the 2009 Lookin' Out PSA Winner - "Quit Clowning Around!"
Hersh Sangani (pictured) stars as the distracted driver in the 2009 winning public service announcement, "Quit Clowning Around!" Lookin' Out committee members James Domachowske, James Gavigan, Brett Keegan, Matthew Kirkman, and Dan LaCombe worked together to write, direct and film the PSA. CBA teacher Cheryl Barredo is the school's Lookin' Out faculty advisor.
Erie Insurance agent Steve Corapi (far left) of the R.G. Wright Agency presents a check for $1,340 to the Lookin’ Out committee at Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, N.Y. The school was awarded a Lookin’ Out grant to fund safe teen driving activities at the school. Lisa Tamilia (far right), a representative of Erie Insurance, also attended the presentation.
