Marks & Harrison, a law firm with over a century of service in Virginia and Washington DC, has announced the launch of its third annual Driver Safety Scholarship Contest. The contest, which runs until May 1, 2026, aims to raise awareness about distracted driving—a leading cause of traffic accidents—while supporting students pursuing higher education. A total of $4,200 in scholarships will be awarded to the top three entries: $2,000 for first place, $1,200 for second, and $1,000 for third.
The contest is open to graduating high school seniors in Virginia and rising college freshmen enrolled at a college or university in Virginia or Washington DC, including those planning to attend two- or four-year institutions. Participants must submit an original essay of at least 1,000 words or a video essay of 5-6 minutes addressing 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?' Entries can be serious or light-hearted but must be original, thoughtful, and well-researched.
The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. on May 1, 2026, with only one entry per student allowed. A panel will evaluate entries based on originality and creativity. Winners will be announced on June 2, 2026, and their entries will be published on the firm's website and social media platforms. This initiative reflects Marks & Harrison's long-standing commitment to community safety. As the firm notes, distracted driving remains a critical issue, and educational efforts are key to reducing accidents. By engaging students directly, the contest aims to foster innovative ideas that can be implemented in local communities.
For more information, visit the Marks & Harrison website. The firm, founded in 1911, has offices throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC, and has a history of advocating for accident victims. This scholarship contest underscores its dedication to proactive safety education.
