Ohio's Safest Young Driver Will Win New Honda

MARYSVILLE, Ohio, April 29 -- Twelve high school students will demonstrate their safe driving knowledge and skills as finalists in the "Ohio's Safest Young Driver" competition. The winner of the final drive-off competition May 30 will receive a new 2002 Honda Civic EX Coupe, with the runner-up taking home a $1,000 scholarship.

Now in its second year, the Ohio's Safest Young Drivers program kicked off in November at a rally at Franklin Heights High School. Entrants had to complete a brief quiz on highway safety and submit an essay on ways to improve highway safety. Entries were received from students in 79 of Ohio's 88 counties.

The 12 finalists chosen last week include: Sierra Smith of Sylvania; Janna Carpenter, Bowling Green, Jody Teresi, Chardon; Katherine Hastings, Parma; Jami Marken, Akron; Kelly Miller, Reminderville; Ashley Piening, Minster; Melissa Gunnell, Beavercreek; Anthony Baldwin, Waterford; Rebecca Robinson, Marysville; Matthew Plank, Oxford; and Laura Ryan, West Chester.

The finalists will take a full-day emergency driving skills course at The Mid-Ohio School located at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, where professional drivers will instruct them on emergency lane changes, wet- braking drills, and how to avoid a crash. The final drive-off will be held at the Transportation Research Center of Ohio test track near East Liberty.

"At Honda of America Mfg., we take safety seriously and are committed to producing the safest vehicles possible for our customers," said Rick Schostek, Honda of America vice president of Support Services. "Since safe driving is usually a result of driver commitment and experience, we are pleased to sponsor the Ohio's Safest Young Driver program because we want to help young drivers make the commitment to put driving safety as their top priority," Schostek said.

The program is sponsored by Honda of America Mfg. in partnership with the Ohio Highway Patrol, Ohio Department of Public Safety, American Family Insurance, The Mid-Ohio School, AAA and AAA Insurance, Transportation Research Center of Ohio (TRC), Honda Dealer Network, Clear Channel Ohio, and Safe America Foundation.