The public will decide the grand prize winner in the Maine DOT contest.

AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Transportation announces that M.T. Morse Elementary School fourth-graders have been named among the seven finalists in the fourth annual Backseat Driver Contest.

The students will go to the finals to compete for a $1,000 grand prize. The MaineDOT is asking the public to visit www.mainebackseatdriver.com to vote for their favorite poster out of the seven regional finalists. The design with the most votes will win the prize. Deadline for voting is midnight Friday, March 26.

The contest, held in support of Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, April 4 to 10, asked fourth-graders across the state to design a poster that will encourage adults to drive more carefully in work zones.

A press conference at 10 a.m. Monday, April 5, will kick off the beginning of Work Zone Safety Awareness Week. The winner, along with his/her teacher, will unveil the new poster and receive the $1,000 class prize.

The finalists were chosen from more than 1,000 entries and were judged on originality, clarity and effectiveness of message. The winning design will be posted at turnpike rest areas, information centers and at the MaineDOT offices in Augusta.

For contest details, visit www.mainebackseatdriver.com.