Connecticut State DMV Center for Teen Safe Driving

Scoring Tips

The theme this year is:

"Teen Safe Driver: Could This Be You? Every Second Matters."

The student director and the team must demonstrate a creative, unique, and effective message that it only takes one second for teens behind the wheel or with friends to make a positive or negative decision related to driving. 

Summary of Video Requirements:

  • The public service announcement video can be up to 45 seconds long. The video can be less than 45 seconds, but it can not exceed 45 seconds.
  • The video must demonstrate the theme:  "Teen Safe Driver: Could This Be You? Every Second Matters."
  • The PSA must show in it the contest hashtag: #CouldThisBeYou
  • It must also address two specific teen driving laws. More info: https://ct.gov/teendriving/laws
  • The PSA must have a multicultural or diversity component because driving involves teens from all backgrounds, including race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, culture, etc.  Bi-lingual/multi-cultural videos are welcomed and encouraged.
  • The PSA must feature at least two teens, and include the idea, mention or use of a parental figure in video.  (Parent doesn’t actually have to appear in video).
  • View the official rules here:  PDF Version

A group of 18 student advisors from 10 different high schools created this theme with the idea that a single person can control the fate of himself or herself, as well as others, such as siblings who can ride in the vehicle after six months following the driver getting a license, other kinds of passengers whether in the car legally or illegally, and those in other vehicles traveling on the same roadway.  We wanted videos to engage an audience in seeing and understanding positive examples of how to prevent these kinds of tragedies, crashes, injuries and deaths.

We are looking for videos that are creative, original and are written, directed, and edited effectively.  Below is a list of tips to keep in mind when choosing your top 5 videos.

Please note: Because of the large file size of the videos, they had to be converted to wmv formats to upload them to the Web site. In doing this, some of the picture quality was lost in some of the videos.  Some videos may appear pixilated or slightly blurry, but this is not indicative of the original submission. 
Overall Impact
  • Does the message focus on a teen audience?
  • Does the message effectively portray the passenger restriction, talking on your cell phone while driving or texting while driving law?
  • After a teenager watches the video, would he or she be convinced to drive safer and follow the the laws against distracted driving?
  • Is all the information in the video accurate to the best of your knowledge about the information presented?
  • Was the video entertaining, compelling or motivating?
  • Are the actors in the video credible?
  • Is it obvious the creator put substantial time and effort into the video?
  • Did the sequence of events flow properly?
  • Is the message clear? Did you have to rewatch the video to understand it?
  • Are the visuals (characters, setting, props) in the video clear, creative, informative?

Originality

  • Is the video unique?
  • Did the video catch and keep your attention? Was it eye-catching?
  • Did the video have the “WOW!” factor?
  • Was the script emotionally moving, humorous, or inspiring?
  • Is there a clever slogan or phrase in the video used to convey the message?

Cinematic Style

  • Does it look like a lot of time was spent on producing and editing the video?
  • Is the audio (sound) of the video a standard high quality?
  • Are the transitions in the video smooth or was there awkward jumps in picture/ camera angles?
  • In the sequence of events, did the video allow enough time for each frame?  Did it allow too much time in a frame?
  • If there was a phrase or statistic in the video, did you have enough time to read it?
  • Were there different camera angles? Wide shots, close up shots?
  • Was the lighting appropriate to the scene?
If you have any questions, please contact Bill Seymour or Ernie Bertothy in the DMV Corporate and Public Relations Office or call 860-263-5024.