National Safety Council Announces Top 3 Winners of its Hands-free is not risk-free Video Contest

Videos show the distraction to the brain from cell phone conversations while driving

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Apr 17, 2014, 02:53 ET

ITASCA, Ill., April 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council today announced the winners of its Hands-free is not risk-free video contest as part of its Distracted Driving Awareness Month campaign. A recent NSC poll found 8 out of 10 drivers mistakenly believe hands-free devices are safer than handheld. For this reason, NSC called on aspiring filmmakers to create short videos to debunk this common misconception.

The mission of the National Safety Council is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. (PRNewsFoto/National Safety Council) (PRNewsFoto/National Safety Council)

Kali Bailey of Georgia took first place with her video, "Multitasking: Fact or Fiction?" Ms. Bailey was awarded for her creativity and clarity in showing how the brain is distracted by a cell phone conversation, whether hands-free or handheld, while driving.

Will Leonard of Texas took second place for his funny, animated video, "Professionalism." His video depicts two risky activities where it would be absurd to engage in a hands-free conversation, hitting home the point that you shouldn't be driving a car and talking on a phone at the same time.

Third place went to Isaac Monson of Indiana. His video, "What is Cognitive Distraction?" shows how the brain compartmentalizes information and cannot focus on driving and talking at the same time.

"The Council was greatly impressed by the quality submissions for this year's video contest," said David Teater, senior director of Transportation Initiatives at the Council. "We need to spread videos like these through all of our social channels to get the word out that hands-free is not a safe option."

The Council would like to thank all of those who participated in this year's contest. The top three videos can be viewed on the NSC YouTube Channel. Learn more about why hands-free is not risk-free at nsc.org/handsfreerisk.

About the National Safety Council
Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council, nsc.org, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, prescription drug overdoses and Safe Communities.

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SOURCE National Safety Council