Marks & Harrison is now accepting submissions for its third annual Driver Safety Scholarship Contest, which will award $4,200 in college scholarship funds to the top three entries. The contest aims to raise awareness about distracted driving, one of the nation's leading causes of traffic accidents, while supporting students in their pursuit of higher education. As a law firm with a history spanning more than 100 years in Virginia and Washington DC, Marks & Harrison emphasizes its dedication to promoting safety in the communities it serves.
The first-place winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship, with $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 a college or university 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 between 5-6 minutes in length by the deadline of 11:59 p.m. on May 1, 2026, with only one entry allowed per student.
The essay or video 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 entries must be original, thoughtful, and well-researched. A panel will judge submissions based on originality and creativity, with winners announced on June 2, 2026. The 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.
