The St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program is taking entries in its second annual Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest through March 15.

The agency is asking elementary students to submit original scripts for 30-second PSAs to be used for possible web or radio broadcast.

The goal is to persuade St. Lawrence County residents to adopt safer behavior when walking or biking near the road, and to convince motorists to share the road safely with pedestrians and bicyclists.

The contest is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

Entries will be accepted from students, organizations, classrooms and groups in St. Lawrence County. The contest is open to students in Grades 1 though 6, whether enrolled in a school or home schooled.

In order for the student to be designated the winner, his or her parent will be required to sign a release and waiver allowing the St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program to use recordings and pictures for traffic safety promotions. All entries will become the property of St. Lawrence County.

The first place winner will receive a $15 check donated by Davison Graphics. Second and third prize winners will receive rear bicycle lights which were donated by Charlie Titus. Prizes will be awarded if there are at least three valid entries. Each entry will receive an acknowledgement of participation.

To enter, submit the entry form and double-spaced script. There is no limit to the number of scripts you can submit. Each one must be clearly labeled with the student name, organization/class name, and school name.

Mail entry form and the scripts to St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program, 80 State Highway 310, Suite 1, Canton NY 13617-1493.

A 30-second public service announcement is about 60 to 80 words. This year the entries will be judged on whether the PSA adheres to the time limit. Students who enter should try to convince the audience why they should adopt safe behavior -- not just make a list of safety rules. There are samples of 30-second PSAs posted on the SLC Traffic Safety Program web site, www.co.st-lawrence.ny.us/Departments/CommunityServices/TrafficSafetyProgram. Contest entry forms, additional contest guidelines, and some helpful references can also be found there.

More info: Mary Davison, 379-2306, or mdavison@stlawco.org.

Entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2012.