GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Kelsey Raffaele, 17, of Sault Ste. Marie, tragically died in a cell phone-related automobile crash in 2010. The Kelsey’s Law Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarship has been created in her honor to inspire change in teens who drive distracted and help prevent car accidents.
Some startling facts from the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Database:
- 40,865 crashes with a driver age 15-19 in 2014 of which there were 69 fatalities and 479 serious injuries
- Texting while driving increases your risk of crashing by 23 times
- Car accidents are the No. 1 killer of teens
2020 KELSEY’S LAW DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS SCHOLARSHIP OVERVIEW
In April, $5,000 worth of scholarships will be awarded to Michigan students who submit the most persuasive and compelling message to convince drivers to reduce distractions while driving.
Deadline to submit an application or entry is March 31, 2020, winners will be notified in late April.
Messages may be in the form of a video, graphic or Tweet that resonates with teens and influences their driving behavior.
Entries will be judged and critiqued on the following factors:
- Ability to persuade others, especially teen drivers, to stop texting while driving.
- Ability to grab the attention of your friends, peers and family.
- A clear and understandable message.
- Demonstration of your personal creativity and ingenuity.
Who may apply:
- Open to 11th and 12th grade students (Class of 2020 and 2021) attending any public or private Michigan high school (finalists will be required to provide proof of enrollment with a student I.D. or transcript).
- Applicant must be a Michigan resident with a valid Michigan driver’s license.
- If under the age of 18 by April 15, 2020, a parental consent form must be signed by a parent or guardian if you are selected as a finalist.
Visit Kelseyslaw.com or MichiganAutoLaw.com for more information
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