Top 10 Finalists Chosen in Bridgestone Americas Safety Scholars Teen Driver Video Contest Online voting begins today; grand prize winners receive a $5,000 scholarship, new tires and their videos may be turned into a TV Public Service Announcement

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 13, 2009) — It’s time to cast your vote for the best videos submitted by student producers in the 2009 Bridgestone Americas Safety Scholars video contest.

The top 10 finalists have been selected in the national competition, which challenges 16- to 21-year old drivers to create short videos about automotive safety or, new this year, making eco-conscious decisions when operating a vehicle. The finalists were selected from 817 entries received by Bridgestone Americas, Inc.

Over the last few months, students from across the country got behind the camera to create videos showing how to stay safe and distraction-free behind the wheel. In the annual competition, a new feature this year also challenged students to showcase how we can all be more environmentally-conscious when driving. For example, did you know stopping for a yellow light is more fuel-efficient than accelerating though it? Or turning a car off instead of letting it idle for extended periods of time lessens fuel emissions?

A panel of judges culled through entries to select the top 10 most compelling videos. Judging criteria included how well the videos compel viewers to be more safety- or eco-conscious when behind the wheel and how effectively and creatively they communicate their message.

“Safety Scholars is a tremendously effective way for us to communicate our commitment to teen driving safety and environmental responsibility,” said Christine Karbowiak, Executive Vice President, Community and Corporate Relations, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. “It’s a program for teens, by teens, so the Safety Scholars campaign engages young drivers to think critically about some very important issues,” Karbowiak continued.

The top 10 videos are now posted at safetyscholars.com for online voting through Aug. 3. Votes will determine the three grand prize winners who will be announced Aug. 10. Finalists’ videos are also available for viewing on social networking sites including Facebook, YouTube and MySpace.

The grand prize winners will receive a $5,000 scholarship and a set of new Bridgestone- or Firestone-brand tires; additionally, their videos may be used on television stations nationwide as part of a public service announcement campaign. These public service announcements are supported by Bridgestone Americas in cooperation with Driver’s Edge, a national non-profit organization which provides free classroom and behind-the-wheel defensive driving instruction for teens in cities across the United States.

Bridgestone Americas developed the Safety Scholars initiative in 2006 as an essay contest and three top winners received $2,500 scholarships. In 2007, the competition transitioned to a video-based contest to reach the young demographic though a more meaningful and engaging tool. The official rules for this year’s contest with complete entry, eligibility and prize details are available at safetyscholars.com.

In addition to Safety Scholars, Bridgestone Americas has invested in myriad innovative driving and tire safety education initiatives specifically targeting young drivers. The Bridgestone brand serves as presenting national sponsor of Driver’s Edge. The recently launched Web site ThinkBeforeYouDrive.org unifies all of the company’s consumer safety and education programs under a single banner to further reinforce the importance of smart driving. Additionally, Bridgestone Americas has aired a series of tire safety-related public service announcements featuring legendary racer and Firestone spokesman Mario Andretti. Andretti has also toured the country talking to students about automotive and tire safety, encouraging young drivers to learn their M.A.R.I.O’s (Mario Andretti’s Real Information on Safety).