PennDOT, the Pennsylvania State Police, TMA Bucks, the Chester County Highway Safety Project, Delaware County TMA, Street Smarts – Philadelphia Highway Safety Project and students from nine Philadelphia area high schools participated in the third annual Regional Teen Safe Driving Competition on April 5 at Technical College High School – Pickering Campus in Phoenixville, Chester County for scholarship money, prizes and the chance to take part in the statewide competition in May.
Bucks County was represented by Quakertown Community High School senior Chad Coleman.
Students considered to be among the best drivers at their schools were put through a series of written and perceptual tests as well as a hands-on driving test set up by the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA).
Cars were donated by Kelly Chevrolet. Winners received scholarships from the PMTA, State Farm, Bergey’s Truck Centers, AAA, Paoli Hospital and Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital ranging from $250 to $2,000. Students, teachers and volunteers also received various other prizes.
Austin Wilson from Chichester High School, was this year’s overall winner of a $2,000 scholarship. Jared Stanaitis from Sun Valley High School finished second with a $1,000 scholarship. Both winners will compete in the Pennsylvania Safe Driving Competition for Youth, held every May in Camp Hill, Pa.
PMTA sponsors scholarships for the top three finishers in the statewide competition. The first-place winner receives $5,000, while second and third place receive $3,000 and $2,000 respectively.