There are songs of love and hate. And there are songs of recklessness, too. So how about songs of safety?

Kate Voegele, recording artist of the new hit song "99 Times," is asking teens to write their own special songs that send a message about the importance of safe driving behavior. Vehicle crashes remain the No. 1 killer of teens in America, with teens accounting for three times as many fatal accidents as other drivers.

The nationwide "Belt it Out" promotion begins Oct. 23rd at www.DrivingSkillsforLife.com where soloists or small bands can send songs that incorporate Ford Driving Skills for Life (FDSFL) – the company's nationwide, award-winning teen safe-driving program.

In spring 2010, the public and Voegele will select the teen with the most creative and effective song submission for a top prize of savings bonds up to $5,000.

Quotes
"Music is such a great outlet and this gives teens a chance to create their own music about something important in their lives. I am doing this to encourage people my age to stay focused on their future and to understand the importance of their own driving behaviors. They need to learn to avoid driving distractions such as hand-held texting. Maybe music can help them remember that."
– Kate Voegele, Singer, Actress, Teen Driver Safety Advocate

"Teens listen to their friends and music more than anything else, which is why we are combining the two so our youngsters can help stop their friends from hand-held texting while driving.”
– Jim Graham, Community Relations Manager of Ford Motor Company Fund