AUGUSTA – Seven regional poster contest winners are finalists in the eighth annual Maine Department of Transportation Backseat Driver Work Zone Safety Poster Contest.

More than 300 students from all over the state sent handmade posters containing road safety messages to MaineDOT headquarters. A committee chose seven regional finalists based on originality, creativity and work zone safety message.

Regional finalists who will be awarded $200 are from the following elementary schools: Dr. Carl Troutt School in Mattawamkeag; Madawaska Elementary in Madawaska; Hall-Dale Elementary in Hallowell; Fairview School in Auburn; Bowdoinham Community School in Bowdoinham; Holy Cross School in South Portland; and Alfred Elementary in Alfred.

The students go on to the finals to compete for the $1,000 grand prize. The public can vote for a favorite safety poster at www.mainebackseatdriver.com to determine which class will win the $1,000 grand prize. Voting will end at midnight on Monday, March 10.

The seven regional winners and five honorable mention posters will be featured in the 2009 MaineDOT Work Zone Safety Poster Calendar.

For more information about the program or to vote for a poster, visit the MaineDOT Work Zone Safety Web site at www.mainebackseatdriver.com.