Marks & Harrison, a law firm with over a century of service in Virginia and Washington DC, has announced its first-ever Driver Safety Scholarship Contest. The contest aims to raise awareness about distracted driving, a leading cause of traffic accidents, while supporting students' educational pursuits. A combined $4,200 in scholarship funds will be awarded to the top three entries, with the first-place winner receiving $2,000, second place $1,200, and third place $1,000.
The contest is open to graduating high school seniors in Virginia and rising college freshmen enrolled in a college or university in Virginia or Washington DC, including students planning to attend two-year and four-year institutions. To enter, students must submit an original essay of at least 1,000 words or a video essay of 5-6 minutes before the deadline of 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025. Only one entry per student is allowed.
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 select winners based on originality and creativity.
On Monday, June 2, 2025, Marks & Harrison will announce the winners and publish their entries on the firm's website and social media sites. The firm, established in 1911, has a long history of protecting accident and injury victims' rights, with over 30 personal injury attorneys and more than 100 staff members. The contest underscores its commitment to community safety beyond legal representation.
Distracted driving remains a critical issue; according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022 alone. By engaging students in crafting solutions, Marks & Harrison hopes to foster a new generation of advocates for safer roads. The scholarship not only eases the financial burden of higher education but also amplifies the message that even a momentary distraction can have devastating consequences.
For more details on entry requirements and submission guidelines, students can visit the firm's official website or contact the firm via its online contact form. The initiative reflects a proactive approach to addressing a preventable public health crisis through education and advocacy.
