The Suburban Collection, Michigan's largest auto dealer, is dedicated to promoting safe driving and continuing its "Focus on the Road" contest with select Metro Detroit area high schools.
For the contest, we ask local high school students to create videos that will educate their peers on the dangers of distracted driving in hopes of minimizing this increasing hazard, even with fewer cars on the road during the pandemic. Currently, eligible schools are located in Ann Arbor Schools, Birmingham Public Schools, Farmington/Farmington Hills Public Schools, Ferndale Public Schools, Novi Community School District, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, Romeo High School, Sterling Heights/Utica Schools, Troy School District and Waterford School District.
For competition participation instructions, rules, and judging criteria, please scroll to the Rules & Terms section below.
Winners will be awarded as follows:
• 1st Place - $2,500
• 2nd Place - $1,500
• 3rd Place - $1,000
These three prizes will be awarded based on the top videos from all participating schools and school districts.
The school with the highest level of student participation, based on the number of student videos submitted, will earn a $1,000 charitable donation. In the event of a tie with number of submissions, the charitable donation will be divided equally among the winning schools.
The competition closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2023. Competition finalists will be announced the week of January 8, 2024, and finalists will be notified by e-mail or phone. Winners will be presented with their prizes in mid-January. The prizes being awarded to the eligible winners are non-transferable or exchangeable for any other prize. Participants must provide valid and accurate contact information. If a winner cannot be contacted or is disqualified for any reason, The Suburban Collection reserves the right to determine an alternative winner at its sole discretion.
Videos will be judged over a score of 100 points based on the following criteria:
Concept (Up to 15 pts)
• Exhibits a clear concept from beginning to end.
• Demonstrates the student has carefully examined and thought the topic through.
• Uses the allotted video time wisely and concisely.
Creativity/Originality (Up to 15 pts)
• Entry is clearly an original work, in the entrant’s own words and visuals.
• Includes personal experiences and thoughtful observations.
• Takes a new approach that judges have not seen before.
Message Content (Up to 40 pts)
• Underscores the importance of ending distracted driving.
• Explains the consequences of distracted driving or the benefits of driving undistracted.
• Content and dialogue are engaging and could be easily understood by peers.
• Presented in a logical sequence.
• The video includes an audio or on-screen reference to the phrase “Focus on the Road.”
Impact (Up to 20 pts)
• Creates a memorable experience long after viewing.
• Evokes an emotional response that motivates.
Production Quality (Up to 10 pts):
• Follows all contest rules.
• Demonstrates continuity and a clear attempt to meet the objectives of video-format storytelling.
• Exhibits a clear attempt to edit and polish for the final presentation.
• Picture quality is clear and easy to view.
• Sound quality is clear and easy to hear.
Judges Discretionary Bonus Points (Up to 10 pts, should two or more videos earn the same score):
• Submitted piece demonstrates a commitment to going above and beyond competition parameters.