The law firm Marks & Harrison has opened submissions for its third annual Driver Safety Scholarship Contest, offering $4,200 in college scholarship funds to the top three entries. This initiative aims to raise awareness about distracted driving, one of the nation's leading causes of traffic accidents, while supporting students pursuing higher education. As a firm with over 100 years of history in Virginia and Washington DC, Marks & Harrison emphasizes its dedication to promoting safety in the communities it serves.
The contest awards $2,000 for first place, $1,200 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. Eligible participants include graduating high school seniors in Virginia and rising college freshmen enrolled in colleges or universities in Virginia or Washington DC, including those planning to attend two- or four-year schools. Students must submit an original essay of at least 1,000 words or a video essay of 5-6 minutes by 11:59 p.m. on May 1, 2026, with only one entry allowed per student.
Entries must address the question: "How can we educate our community about the dangers of distracted driving, and what are some practical ways we can drastically reduce distracted driving-related accidents?" The tone can be serious or light-hearted, but submissions must be original, thoughtful, and well-researched. A panel will judge entries based on originality and creativity, with winners announced on June 2, 2026. Winning entries will be published on the firm's website and social media sites, such as https://www.marksharrison.com.
This initiative highlights the broader implications of distracted driving, which contributes significantly to traffic accidents nationwide. By engaging students in creative problem-solving, the contest fosters community education and practical solutions to a persistent public safety issue. The scholarship funds provide financial support for education, aligning with the firm's commitment to community welfare. The contest's focus on youth involvement underscores the importance of early awareness in driving behavior, potentially influencing long-term safety trends. For more details on submission guidelines, participants can refer to the firm's online resources.
