Mississauga, Ontario – Bridgestone Firestone Canada Inc (BFCA) has announced the launch of its 2008 Safety Scholars Canada video contest, which invites Canadian students, aged 16 to 21, to submit a video online for a chance to win prizes. The videos will be posted on the Internet; the videos receiving the most votes will be named the winners.

The contest will award three $5,000 college scholarships for the most effective videos that “drive home” life-saving messages on tire and auto safety. The top ten filmmakers will also receive a set of new Bridgestone tires.

“Because car crashes claim the lives of more 16- to 21-year-olds than any other cause, we feel safety education is a priority,” said Christine Karbowiak, vice-president of Community & Corporate Relations, Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc. “After challenging young people last year to create their own videos about auto and tire safety, we were extremely impressed by the talent, skill and passion shown by the young filmmakers. We are proud to expand the Safety Scholars initiative in Canada as a contest for teens created by teens.”

The videos must be 25 or 55 seconds in length; the first 300 video entries will be accepted from May 27 to June 24. For more information, visit SafetyScholars.ca.