Mayor Eric Garcetti Wednesday launched the L.A.'s Safest Driver competition as a way to discourage distracted driving.
"If we are going to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious accidents on our streets, we need to put an end to the epidemic of distracted driving," Garcetti said. "Safe driving is a reward unto itself, but some friendly competition is a great way to drive home the importance of keeping our minds and eyes on the road."
To participate in the eight-week competition, Angelenos can download an app that measures speed, acceleration, braking, cornering and phone use while driving.
The safest driver will be awarded $20,000, with several other categories that will bring the winners $7,500 to $10,000.
The contest runs until July 26, and is open to people 18 years and older who currently reside or regularly travel through the Los Angeles area.
The full list of prize categories and official rules can be found at www.lasafestdriver.com.
The contest is sponsored by military financial services company USAA, which recently sponsored San Antonio's Safest Driver contest, which was credited with a 15% reduction in distracted driving and a 46% reduction in speeding citations during its run.
