Caltrans helps teen drivers

Caltrans is continuing its push to promote safe driving among teens this fall. As part of its "Slow for the Cone Zone" effort, Caltrans has launched a "Street Skills" campaign which includes tours of high schools around the state to educate teenagers about safe driving practices and encourage them to take an online safety quiz.

When they take the quiz at www.SlowForTheConeZone.com, students will be automatically entered into a Safety Sweepstakes for the chance to win a 2009 Toyota Scion. Caltrans is quick to point out that no state dollars are being used for the sweepstakes -- everything's being donated.

As part of "Slow for the Cone Zone," Caltrans also announced this week the winners of its "Slow Mo Films" contest. Winners were selected from 60 entries, and some 10,000 people logged on to watch the films. The winner was "The Amazing Fight,” submitted by Steven Maribojoc of Fresno. “One Dozen Eggs,” submitted by Ian Robertson of La Mesa, came in second. The Judge's Favorite Award went to “Good Save,” submitted by William Gabriel of Seal Beach, which features a rescued fast food meal.

"Slow for the Cone Zone" was designed to help save the lives of drivers and workers on California highways.

-- Beth Shuster