Marks & Harrison has opened submissions for its third annual Driver Safety Scholarship Contest, offering $4,200 in total college scholarship funds to students who create original content about distracted driving prevention. The contest reflects the law firm's century-long commitment to community safety and aims to address what it identifies as one of the nation's leading causes of traffic accidents.
Eligible participants include graduating high school seniors in Virginia and rising college freshmen enrolled in Virginia or Washington, DC institutions, including those planning to attend two- or four-year schools. Students must submit either a written essay of at least 1,000 words or a video essay lasting five to six minutes by the deadline of 11:59 p.m. on May 1, 2026, with only one entry permitted per student.
The required prompt asks participants to address "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?" Submissions may adopt either serious or light-hearted tones but must demonstrate originality, thoughtfulness, and thorough research. A judging panel will evaluate entries based on their creativity and originality in approaching this critical safety issue.
Scholarship awards include $2,000 for first place, $1,200 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. The firm will announce winners on June 2, 2026, and publish their entries on the firm's website and social media platforms. This initiative represents a direct investment in both education and public safety awareness, leveraging student perspectives to develop community-focused solutions to distracted driving.
The contest's importance lies in its dual focus on supporting educational aspirations while addressing a persistent public health threat. Distracted driving contributes significantly to traffic accidents nationwide, making awareness campaigns crucial for prevention. By engaging students as creators of educational content, the contest fosters innovative thinking about safety messaging that could influence broader community behaviors. The financial awards provide tangible support for higher education access, while the published winning entries may serve as resources for schools, organizations, and families seeking effective distracted driving education materials. More information about the firm is available at https://www.marksandharrison.com.
This scholarship program demonstrates how legal professionals can contribute to preventive safety measures beyond courtroom advocacy. The contest structure encourages practical problem-solving among young community members who may develop approaches that resonate with their peers and families. As distracted driving continues to evolve with technological advancements, fresh perspectives on education and prevention remain essential for reducing accidents and saving lives.
