J&Y Law Awards 2025 Defense Against Distracted Driving Scholarship to USC Student Abby Samuelson

J&Y Law has announced Abby Samuelson, a student at the University of Southern California, as the winner of the 2025 Defense Against Distracted Driving Scholarship. Samuelson's essay, which details her personal experience as a victim of a distracted driving accident, stood out for its insightful analysis of the dangers of inattention behind the wheel and its creative suggestions for prevention.

In her essay, Samuelson recounts the harrowing experience of being involved in an accident caused by a couple distracted by an argument. This incident led her to explore the various forms of distractions—cognitive, physical, and verbal—that can divert a driver's attention from the road. Her proposal to combat distracted driving includes leveraging social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to gamify safe driving through a No Distraction Challenge, aiming to engage younger drivers by challenging their perceptions of invincibility.

J&Y Law, known for its commitment to community safety and education, has awarded Samuelson's university $1,000 to support her continued education. The firm praised her essay for its depth of understanding and innovative approach to raising awareness about the risks of distracted driving. This scholarship underscores the firm's dedication to fostering discussions on road safety and supporting the next generation of advocates against distracted driving.

The Defense Against Distracted Driving Scholarship is part of J&Y Law's broader efforts to promote safety and education. By highlighting personal stories like Samuelson's, the scholarship aims to inspire students to think critically about the consequences of distracted driving and to develop effective strategies for prevention. For those interested in applying for next year's scholarship, details on the qualifying criteria can be found on the scholarship's terms and conditions page.