2026 Road Safety Essay Writing Contest
2026 Road Safety Essay Writing Contest
$1,000 Dori Saves Lives Scholarship Award
Dori Saves Lives is proud to announce its annual High School Essay Writing Contest, created to inspire young drivers to take an active role in making our roads safer. This contest invites high school students to reflect on the importance of safe and attentive driving, proactive decision-making behind the wheel, and the lifesaving impact of seatbelts, sober driving, and eliminating distractions.
Essay Prompt
Every day, thousands of lives are affected by preventable crashes caused by distracted, impaired, or unsafe driving behaviors. As a young person entering or already part of the driving community, you have the power to influence your peers and shape safer habits behind the wheel.
In a well-developed essay (500–750 words), discuss the importance of practicing safe and attentive driving.
Your essay should address:
● Why proactive, defensive driving matters—especially for young drivers.
● How sober driving, wearing a seatbelt, and reducing distractions (such as texting) protect lives.
● The role teenagers can play in promoting a culture of safety within their schools, families, and communities.
● How making responsible driving decisions today can impact your future.
Students are encouraged to use personal experiences, real-world examples, or research to strengthen their message. The goal is to inspire thoughtful reflection and help raise awareness about the life-saving importance of responsible driving.
Award
The top-scoring essay will receive the:
$1,000 Dori Saves Lives Scholarship
awarded in the form of a check presented to the student in recognition of their commitment to safer communities.
Eligibility
● Open to all current high school students.
● One submission per student.
Submission Requirements
● 500–750 words
● Typed, double-spaced, 12-pt font
● Include student’s full name, school, grade, and contact information and Parent/Guardian Signature
Scoring Rubric
Total Points: 100
Category
Description
Points
1. Content & Relevance
Essay directly addresses the prompt, clearly discusses safe and attentive driving, proactive driving, sober driving, seatbelts, and reducing distractions. Demonstrates deep understanding of driving safety issues.
30 pts
2. Organization & Structure
Clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Logical flow of ideas, strong transitions, and well-developed paragraphs.
20 pts
3. Insight, Originality & Impact
Presents meaningful insight, thoughtful reflection, personal connections, or compelling examples. Demonstrates originality and inspires awareness or change.
20 pts
4. Evidence & Support
Uses personal experiences, examples, facts, or reasoning to support claims. Information is accurate and enhances message.
15 pts
5. Writing Quality & Mechanics
Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are correct. Writing is clear, polished, and professional.
10 pts
6. Adherence to Guidelines
Meets word count (500–750 words), formatting requirements, and submission instructions.
5 pts
Contest Dates & Info
CONTEST STARTS: 1/01/26 12:01 AM EST
CONTEST ENDS: 12/31/26 12:01 AM EST
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY: 3/1/2027
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS WILL BE ISSUED BY: 3/31/2027
