The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles has opened its annual teen safe driving video contests, inviting students in the state to create a short production to encourage safety on the road.

The contest, a partnership between the DMV and Travelers Insurance, has a theme of "One Split Second..." This theme was chosen by 14 student advisors from six different high schools, with the idea that teenage drivers can make both positive and negative decisions in a brief amount of time.

"The theme of this year's contest connects the importance of teens' decision-making to safe driving in a concise and powerful way," said DMV Commissioner Michael Bzdyra. "A lot can happen in 'one split second,' and this theme will provide teens with a very creative starting point to showcase their video talents and at the same time provide a very educational message to their peers."

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said the annual contest helps highlight safety issues related to young drivers. She said 16- and 17-year-old drivers were involved in more than 4,000 crashes in Connecticut last year.

"It's imperative that we are teaching young drivers to be responsible behind wheel – not just for their safety but for the safety of everyone on the road," said Wyman. "I applaud Commissioner Bzdyra, Travelers, and our other partners for their commitment to ensuring our young people understand that driving is a privilege and a responsibility."

The contest began in 2008, and over 3,000 students from more than 100 high schools have submitted videos over the years. Henry Edinger, chief customer officer at Travelers Insurance, said he believes the messages in videos created by teenagers can have a pronounced effect on their fellow students.

"Hearing friends and peers talk about good driving habits can carry more weight with teens, and we are hopeful that the contest will spark conversation and encourage young drivers to take precautions behind the wheel," he said.

The contest is open to students between the ages of 14 and 18 who attend a public or private high school or are homeschooled. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 15.

Videos can be up to 45 seconds long. They must follow the theme of "One Split Second...," including the use of the social media tag #OneSplitSecond at some point during the video.

Teams can include up to five teenagers, including a student director, and the video itself must feature at least two teens. The DMV says that since driving involves teenagers from all backgrounds, the video must have a multicultural or diversity component. Bilingual videos will be accepted.

The video needs to mention at least two Connecticut laws related to teenage drivers. It also must include the idea, mention, or use of a parental figure, although parents do not need to appear in the video.

Videos can be submitted online or via mail. Submissions should include contact information as well as the name of the team's high school.

A panel of health experts, safety advocates, and state officials will choose the winning entries. Travelers Insurance is awarding prizes of $6,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, and $4,000 for third place. The Connecticut Department of Transportation Office of Highway Safety will remake the first place entry as a professional public service announcement.

Teams can also win up to $1,250 in gift cards, and Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital is underwriting a $1,000 prize for the video with the best multicultural message. Prizes will be presented at a formal gala for all winners. Other awards will be given for videos in a variety of categories, such as best original music and best use of social media.

Full contest rules are available at ct.gov/teendriving/contest.