LAS VEGAS, NV – Sam & Ash Injury Law is proud to announce the launch of the 2nd Annual Prevent the Crash with Sam & Ash Safe Teen Driving Contest. In partnership with Clark County School District’s ‘Safe Routes to School’, Nevada’s Zero Fatalities, RTC of Southern Nevada, Silver State Credit Union, Nevada Donor Network, and Findlay Volkswagen Henderson, this year’s contest has new community partners and bigger prizes to support safe habits for Nevada’s teen drivers.
The contest is designed to empower students when they get behind the wheel and encourage a culture of responsible driving through education and community engagement.
“Last year’s inaugural campaign showed us that teens have powerful stories and real insight into how to make our roads safer,” said Sam Mirejovsky, partner at Sam & Ash Injury Law. “This contest isn’t just about essays—it’s about giving young people a voice and inspiring behavior that could save lives.”
Now through Friday, October 31, 2025, Nevada students ages 16-22 can go to www.samandashlaw.com/safedriving and submit a 400-500 word essay answering the question: “What Does Safe Driving Mean to You?” In addition to the essay, this year’s contest also offers a video component, allowing students to earn additional points by creating and uploading a video version of their essay and posting it on their social media pages.
The judging panel will review submissions and select finalists based on originality, clarity, and message. Top prizes include a MacBook, a $5,000 scholarship, and the grand prize – a 2025 Volkswagen Jetta. The winners will be notified, and prizes awarded in December 2025.
To learn more about the Prevent the Crash with Sam & Ash campaign, visit: www.samandashlaw.com/safedriving
Why It Matters: The Reality of Teen Driving
- Teen drivers are involved in crashes more than any other age group.
- Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S.
- While teens make up just 5% of Nevada drivers, they’re involved in 10% of crashes.
- Distracted driving, especially from mobile phone use, continues to be a top contributing factor.
- Rear-end collisions, which are often caused by inattention, make up 35% of teen crashes.
Partner Perspectives:
“Teen drivers face unique challenges, and every decision behind the wheel matters,” said Anita Pepper, public information officer for Zero Fatalities. “This contest gives young drivers a voice – and a chance to become advocates for their own safety.”
“Safety starts with awareness and personal responsibility,” said Jennifer Grube, Clark County School District’s Safe Routes to School Program Coordinator. “By encouraging teens to reflect on their driving behaviors and choices, this contest helps build safer habits both behind the wheel and as passengers.”
“We’re proud to once again support this life-saving initiative,” said Melisa Eichbauer, General Manager at Findlay Volkswagen Henderson. “The Jetta is equipped with top-tier safety features, but real safety begins with the driver. By combining a smart vehicle with smart choices, we’re helping teens—and their families—feel more confident on the road.”
“At Silver State Schools Credit Union, we believe financial health and physical safety go hand-in-hand,” said JimDre Westbrook, Education Liaison Manager. “When teens understand that risky driving can cost them not only in safety but also in long-term financial stability through medical bills, higher insurance, and lost opportunities, they gain a perspective that lasts well beyond the driver’s seat. Supporting programs like this reflects our commitment to helping young people build safer habits and stronger financial futures.”
About Sam & Ash Injury Law:
Founded in 2019, Sam & Ash is a personal injury law firm committed to helping accident victims throughout Nevada and California. Sam Mirejovsky and Ashley Watkins bring decades of experience and a compassionate, client-focused approach to ensure every client is fairly compensated for their injuries. More than just counsel, they serve as partners who are by your side every step of the way. They are the personal injury attorneys who do What’s Right.
For more info, visit samandashlaw.com. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly
Twitter) @samandashlaw.
About Clark County School District:
Established in 1956, the Clark County School District (CCSD) is the number one choice for families and students. As the nation’s fifth-largest school district, we educate 289,000 students – offering a variety of nationally recognized programs, including Magnet Schools, Career and Technical Academies, and Advanced Placement programs. CCSD educates 64 percent of the students in Nevada and works closely with community partners and business leaders to educate students to compete in a global economy.
About Zero Teen Fatalities Nevada:
Car crashes are the number one killer of teens in the United States. The Zero Teen Fatalities program strives to put an end to these preventable fatalities by educating young drivers about the importance of being safe behind the wheel.
About Zero Fatalities:
Nevada’s Zero Fatalities Program is all about eliminating fatalities on Nevada roadways. Some people may think zero is an impossible goal, but when it comes to your family and friends, what other number would be acceptable? We’re aiming for zero because everyone matters. The road to zero targets key behaviors like buckling up, being pedestrian and motorcycle safe, eliminating impaired driving, focusing on the road, and stopping on red.
To learn more about Nevada traffic safety, log on to www.zerofatalitiesnv.com. Follow Zero Fatalities on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About RTC of Southern Nevada:
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) is the metropolitan planning organization and public transit authority serving Clark County. Established by the Nevada Legislature in 1965, RTC oversees a comprehensive transit network—including fixed-route buses, express services, and traffic management initiatives—that connects residents and visitors across the Las Vegas Valley. Its mission is to elevate the quality of life through sustainable, safe, and equitable transportation solutions. As a regional leader in transit innovation and planning, RTC supports mobility, accessibility, and air quality improvements for a growing and diverse community.
About Silver State Credit Union:
Founded in 1951, Silver State Schools Credit Union is a member-owned, state-chartered financial cooperative serving over 64,000 members across Southern Nevada with 10 conveniently located branches. Guided by its “SMART PRO” core values—Service Success, Member First, Accountability, Respect, TeamUnity, Professional Knowledge—and driven by the tagline “Excellent Member Service and Financial Solutions – For Life!,” SSSCU prioritizes people over profit. The credit union offers a wide range of secure and accessible financial products and services. As of March 31, 2025, SSSCU reported $1.284 billion in total assets, with loans totaling $906 million, and remains well-capitalized and highly liquid. Accounts are insured up to $500,000—$250,000 through American Share Insurance and an additional $250,000 via Excess Share Insurance Corporation. SSSCU is committed to delivering exceptional member experience and financial empowerment across the Nevada education community and beyond.
About Findlay Volkswagen Henderson:
At Findlay Volkswagen Henderson, we’re proud to be your go-to destination for all things automotive. More than a dealership, we are committed to working ‘On Purpose’ and providing valuable experiences to our guests and team members. Our dedication to spreading Peace, Love, and V-dub is evident in our promise to encourage philanthropy through our actions and be an asset to our community. We invite you to come in and discover how we’re different. We look forward to providing you with a truly memorable experience!
About Nevada Donor Network:
Nevada Donor Network is a federally designated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organ procurement organization (OPO) committed to maximizing the gift of life and health through organ and tissue donation. Established in 1987, Nevada Donor Network is one of only 56 OPOs in the U.S. serving more than three million people in the state of Nevada and 100,000 potential transplant recipients across the country. They work collaboratively with hospital staff and community partners to promote research and provide a strong support network to courageous donor families who’ve turned loss into hope.
At Nevada Donor Network, they encourage Nevadans to help individuals in need of life-saving transplants through education, research, and action. Nevada Donor Network is a member of Donate Life Nevada, an affiliate of Donate Life America, whose state-wide efforts encourage Nevadans to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors. For more information, please visit www.nvdonor.org/.
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