Highland High students create PSA video for Distracted Driving Month
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — April is Distracted Driving Month, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed over 3,000 lives in 2023, with texting being the most prominent distraction, and teenagers being more susceptible.
A group of students at Highland High School have taken it on themselves to develop a PSA they hope can make an impact.
Though, it wouldn't be out of place on your TV screen, looking as if shot by seasoned pros.
'Basically, I told the students to create a PSA about distracted driving, and three students took advantage to create one,' said video production teacher Jose Zavala.
What goes into making a video like this?
'The filming, definitely probably the shortest part of it. Editing is the longest part of it but that's what makes it really come together and showcase the effects.'
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'It took a lot of planning, we probably sat down for a couple days thinking of what we should do for distracted driving,' said junior Zane Rock.
'Now we have submitted that PSA for three competitions,' said Zavala. We have won one second place for the Kern High film festival, and there's two other ones, but unfortunately, those will happen in May.'
Now, the students wait to see if that hard work will pay off once again at those film festivals, but knowing their work can also make an impact makes that wait feel a little bit shorter.
'Not only being recognized for us, but people are recognizing that distracted driving is a big issue,' said Rock.Those same students at Highland would also like to invite you to the screening of their short film, 'Highland's Hidden Treasure,' which will take place Friday, April 25 with two screenings at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Highland High School. Tickets will be $10 at the door.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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