Katherine Harper: Crosley Law’s 2018 National Scholarship Winner

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Katherine Harper is Crosley Law’s 2018 National Scholarship recipient. Like our Local Scholarship honoree, Katherine experienced the dangers of distracted driving firsthand. Learn more about this outstanding young woman below. 

Crosley Law’s 2018 Distracted Driving Scholarships

Crosley Law’s National Scholarship is open to high school students across the country. Like our local scholarship, it challenges young people to think critically about distracted driving and its dangers. Applicants must meet strict G.P.A. requirements and write an essay about their experiences with distracted driving.

Each year, we’re impressed by the quality of the submissions for both of our scholarships, and 2018 was no different. Young people shared their personal stories and experiences with distracted driving. More importantly, they explained how they were trying to change their peers’ driving habits and make our roads safer. Crosley Law thanks everyone who applied for our scholarships, and we wish we could do more to support all our remarkable applicants!


“A 2015 AAA study suggests that distraction plays a role in almost 60% of crashes involving teenagers. “


Distracted Driving Is a Nationwide Epidemic

Almost every state has a distracted driving law on the books, but most only prohibit texting while driving. Currently, 16 states ban all handheld use of electronic devices while driving. However, as people become increasingly reliant on their electronic devices, these laws do little to keep our roads safe.

RELATED ARTICLE: Distracted Driving Laws Are Great—But People Keep Causing Crashes

Younger drivers are especially prone to distraction-related crashes. A 2015 AAA study suggests that distraction plays a role in almost 60% of crashes involving teenagers. At Crosley Law, we know that education and awareness can help reduce these numbers.

A Car Crash Left Katherine With Physical and Emotional Scars 

As a child, Katherine was riding with her mother and sister in their vehicle. Suddenly, they were struck by another driver who ran a red light. The collision was so violent that it ripped three of the wheels off Katherine’s vehicle. The negligent driver, who died in the crash, was distracted while eating a sandwich.

In her essay, Katherine discusses how that moment of distraction impacted many lives. Both she and her sister suffered serious injuries that required a total of 20 surgeries to repair. The deceased driver did not have auto insurance, leaving her parents with significant bills. And she faced teasing and bullying because of her facial scars.

RELATED ARTICLE: 4 Simple Things You Need to Do if Your Teen Is Involved in a Crash

Thankfully, Katherine didn’t give up. Today she is studying Health Promotion at the University of Georgia. She intends to use her experience to empower other young people and educate them about the dangers of distracted driving. She notes:

The scars on my face bear testament to the impact car accidents can have, even 15 years after the initial accident. My scars are a prominent component of my face. Many people ask questions as to how they came to be, and I take every opportunity to discuss my accident and how future accidents can be prevented.

Katherine is in her third year at the University of Georgia and plans to graduate with both her bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Health Policy and Management. She has a 3.9 G.P.A. Katherine is also highly involved with a volunteer organization, Campus Kitchen, and her church.

Crosley Law: Supporting Future Safety Advocates and Leaders in Texas and Throughout the United States

At Crosley Law, we work closely with victims of distracted driving and advocate for them. Our scholarship program recognizes exceptional young people that have taken a stand with us against this epidemic.

To learn more about Crosley Law, contact us online or call 210-LAW-3000 | 210-529-3000.

References

Johnson, T. (2015, March 25). Distraction and teen crashes: Even worse than we thought. AAA. Retrieved from https://newsroom.aaa.com/2015/03/distraction-teen-crashes-even-worse-thought/

Governors Highway Safety Administration (2018, April). Distracted driving. GHSA. Retrieved from https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/distracted%20driving

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.