Virginia teens invited to compose jingles for safe holiday driving contest

SALEM, Va. (WFXR) - Virginia youth are invited to use their creativity and musical talents to promote safe driving this holiday season.

Organizers recently announced the launch of the 2025 "Jingle Your Way to a Safe Holiday: Buckle Up and Drive Safely" contest. The statewide competition invites students to create original jingles that encourage seat belt use and responsible driving during the high-risk holiday period from December through the New Year. 

The initiative is sponsored by Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO), the Virginia State Police (VSP), State Farm and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

"This contest turns music into a message," said Callie Toler, YOVASO's Program and Curriculum Coordinator. "By combining creativity with safety, students can help protect their peers and community during the holiday season." 

Officials say the contest is a fun initiative for Virginia high school and middle school students to promote safe, responsible driving during the high-risk holiday season. The contest is open to all Virginia youth ages 11 to 19, and participants may enter individually or as part of a school or youth group.

YOVASO adds that each entry must be submitted in video format and feature a short, original jingle, no longer than 30 seconds, that promotes the contest theme of buckling up and driving responsibly. Officials say all entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 12, and then YOVASO staff will select the top six entries in both the middle and high school divisions.

According to officials, these finalists will be posted on the contest page for public voting from December 16 through December 18. The winning jingles will be announced on December 19 and will be featured on YOVASO's social media platforms through December 26. YOVASO says additional entries will be shared through New Year's Day. 

"From Car Seat to Driver's Seat™ State Farm is committed to keeping everyone safe on our roadways," said Rasheed Merritt, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at State Farm. "We are excited to work with YOVASO and support the delivery of more educational resources to students to help them stay safer behind the wheel and/or as passengers." 

YAVASO says the top prize in the high school division is a $500 cash award. The second and third place winners will receive $200 and $100, respectively. In the middle school division, the first-place winner will receive $200, with second and third-place winners receiving $100 and $50, respectively.

For the official jingle guidelines, winner selection process, and prize information, visit the YOVASO website. For more information on how your teen, school, or youth group can get involved, contact Callie Toler at 804-914-2532 or email Callie.Toler@vsp.virginia.gov.