Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello and STOP-DWI invite local students to help promote safer roads

Monroe County, New York – As students prepare to leave classrooms behind and head into summer break, Monroe County officials are asking young people to take on a different kind of assignment — one that could help save lives. County leaders have announced the return of the STOP-DWI Media Contest, encouraging local high school students to create original messages that promote safe driving and raise awareness about the risks that often lead to serious crashes.

The initiative, now in its second year, is being organized through a partnership involving Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello, Monroe County Clerk Jamie Romeo, and the county’s STOP-DWI and Office of Traffic Safety teams. Rather than simply warning about the dangers that often accompany the summer travel season, organizers hope students themselves can help inspire safer decisions among their peers.

The contest is built around a new message: “100 Days of Safe Summer Roads.” It runs alongside the period commonly referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” which stretches from Memorial Day through Labor Day and is associated with a significant rise in fatal crashes involving teen drivers. By inviting students to create public safety campaigns, county officials hope to transform that narrative into one centered on prevention, responsibility, and community action.

High school students across Monroe County are invited to submit original media projects highlighting some of the leading causes of traffic crashes. Contest entries may focus on issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and the importance of wearing seatbelts. Winning submissions will not simply earn recognition; they will also become part of Monroe County’s broader traffic safety campaign and be shared across multiple public platforms to help spread the message throughout the community.

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County Executive Adam Bello said the timing of the initiative is especially important as schools close and roads become busier during the summer season.

“As the school year comes to a close and summer begins, increased travel brings a heightened risk on our roadways,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “The STOP-DWI ‘100 Days of Safe Summer Roads’ High School Media Contest encourages students to take action and encourage their peers to make safe choices. I look forward to seeing how they use their voices to create persuasive and engaging media that highlights the dangers of unsafe and distracted driving.”

Traffic safety advocates say that peer-to-peer messaging can be especially effective among young drivers, who may be more likely to respond to content created by people their own age. Contest organizers hope the creativity and fresh perspectives of local students will make the campaign both relatable and memorable during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Lindsay Tomidy, Monroe County STOP-DWI Coordinator, emphasized the emotional toll that traffic fatalities have on the community, especially when young drivers are involved.

“Any day our community wakes up to a traffic fatality in the news is a sad day. When you add in the probability of the crash being preventable and involvement of our youngest drivers that tragedy is amplified.” said Lindsay Tomidy, Monroe County STOP-DWI Coordinator. “We are so excited to see how our youth use their creative and collective voices to influence changed behavior and look toward to a summer without tragedy.”

Monroe County Clerk Jamie Romeo said the program gives students a chance to make a meaningful contribution beyond the classroom by using their talents to encourage responsible choices.

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“By empowering local students to use their creativity and their voices, we are helping spread a message that can save lives,” said Monroe County Clerk Jamie Romeo. “During the 100 Days of Safe Summer Roads, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, every safe choice behind the wheel matters. We are proud to partner with our students to encourage responsible driving habits and remind our community that one good decision can make all the difference.”

While the contest is aimed at teenagers, county officials stress that road safety is a shared responsibility. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to have open conversations with young drivers and to demonstrate safe habits every time they get behind the wheel. Officials say adults can help reinforce these lessons by always buckling up, staying focused and alert while driving, and never operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The county hopes that by combining education, creativity, and community involvement, this year’s contest will help reduce risky driving behaviors and make the summer travel season safer for everyone. Students interested in participating can submit original entries through the county’s official contest website, while additional information about the STOP-DWI and Office of Traffic Safety programs is available through Monroe County’s online resources.