Christensen Law Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarship

Distracted, drunk, and impaired driving continue to claim thousands of lives every year — and young drivers remain among the most vulnerable. In 2023 alone, distracted driving was responsible for over 3,000 deaths and an estimated 289,000 injuries in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Tragically, these numbers reflect not just statistics, but real people — teens, families, and communities forever changed by a moment of inattention.

At Christensen Law, we’ve seen the devastating aftermath of these crashes firsthand. Our team has represented clients who have suffered life-altering injuries due to someone looking down at a phone, adjusting the radio, or making a reckless choice behind the wheel. While the dangers of drunk driving are widely known, impairment comes in many forms — including distraction, sleep deprivation, and even everyday medications. What they all have in common is this: they’re preventable. We authored a meta-analysis on Distracted Driving in America; for more information, you can find it here.

That’s why we’re proud to announce our 2026 Stay Alert Stay Alive Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarship Contest. Through this annual initiative, we aim to raise awareness, amplify young voices, and invest in the future. We’re awarding a $2,500 scholarship to a Michigan high school senior or college student who can deliver a compelling message about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving — and how we can work together to prevent it.

This year, students can choose from one of four powerful essay prompts:

It Can Wait

What would you say to a friend who drives distracted? Whether it’s texting, changing the music, eating, or simply not paying attention, distractions behind the wheel can be deadly. Use your voice to craft a persuasive essay that encourages your peers to stay focused and make safety the priority every time they drive.

The Voices of Victims & Families

Step into the shoes of someone whose life has been impacted by a distracted or impaired driving crash. Through real or imagined events, tell a story that brings the consequences to life.

From the Passenger Seat

When someone else is behind the wheel, it can be hard to challenge their choices. Explore how teens can navigate the fear and peer pressure that come with standing up for their safety in risky driving situations.

Create a Teen-Led Awareness Campaign

Get creative and imagine a campaign that could grab the attention of your generation. What message would you share, describe what visuals you would use, and how would you deliver it?

As you write your essay, remember that Michigan’s One-Touch law makes it illegal to hold or manually use a phone while driving—even when stopped at a red light. Only one quick tap or hands-free, voice-activated use is allowed. Violating the law can result in fines, community service, and mandatory driver improvement courses for repeat offenses. This law exists to protect everyone on the road, and it’s an important reminder of why staying focused behind the wheel matters.

Whether you speak from experience, empathy, or pure imagination, we want to hear from you. Your ideas, your stories, and your voice could help shift someone’s perspective — or even save a life.