RideWise Launches the 2026 “100 Safest Days of Summer” Video Contest for Somerset County Students

RideWise, Somerset County’s nonprofit transportation agency dedicated to promoting safe, sustainable travel, is inviting local students to help make this summer the safest one yet. The organization has announced the return of its annual Safety Video Contest, this year centered on the theme of Summer Safety — a timely focus as traffic risks rise during the warm-weather months.

For teens, the stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days.” According to AAA and the National Road Safety Foundation, fatal crashes involving teen drivers increase during this period. RideWise aims to flip the narrative by empowering young people to share safety messages that can help protect drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and passengers throughout Somerset County.

Students in grades 5 through 12 who live or attend school in Somerset County are invited to create a 30–60 second video that includes the phrase:

“I will be safe this summer by…”

Participants must choose one of four safety categories:

• Driving Safety
• Cycling Safety
• Car Passenger Safety
• Walking Safety

Within their chosen category, students should highlight at least one specific safety topic — such as avoiding distractions while driving, wearing a helmet while biking, buckling up as a passenger, or using crosswalks when walking. RideWise encourages creativity: videos may take the form of a PSA, commercial, skit, animation, music video, or short story.

RideWise’s mission centers on helping Somerset County residents travel safely and sustainably. Through programs like Safe Routes to School, bicycle and pedestrian education, and community outreach, the organization works year-round to reduce crashes and improve mobility. The Summer Safety Video Contest extends that mission by giving students a platform to influence their peers and families.

Multiple winners — one for each safety category — will each receive a $100 Visa Gift Card.
The contest is open to students in Somerset County, with one exception: Montgomery Township is not included, as it falls outside RideWise’s service area. Montgomery students can find similar programs through Greater Mercer TMA (gmtma.org).

By encouraging students to think critically about safety and share their ideas with the community, RideWise hopes to transform a historically dangerous season into one defined by awareness, responsibility, and positive action.

The contest is presented in partnership with the National Road Safety Foundation as part of the nationwide 100 Safest Days of Summer initiative.

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