36°
Imperato, who attends Western Middle School in Greenwich, was one of about 430 eighth-graders to submit an essay on the topic: “Do we need new laws to stop distracted driving? Why or why not? If so, what sort of laws should we have.”
Imperato, a student of Ms. Michele Giorlando, concluded that public awareness and cultural change, not new laws, were more likely to curb the dangerous practice of “multitasking” while driving.
“The fact that people are convinced that it is acceptable to defy the law, and put themselves and others at risk by doing so, is what needs to change rather than the law itself,” she wrote.
“In order to prevent the 330,000 injuries that occur due to distracted driving each year, we must change our cultural attitude,” she wrote. “Driving is dangerous and should be taken seriously.“
Hers was among the top five essays chosen by a panel of 12 judges, who also recognized five additional essays with honorable mentions. Jepsen will present a certificate to Imperato at a school assembly at a later date.
“I congratulate Megan, and all the students who submitted entries, for their work. I also want to thank all the teachers for developing their students’ skills and encouraging them to participate,” Jepsen said. “Critical thinking and analytical writing are important for success in school and in the workplace. This contest gives students the opportunity to do both on an issue that has an impact on their lives.”
Click here to follow Daily Voice Greenwich and receive free news updates.
