Distracted driving and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are major issues not only in Ohio but across the country. Choosing to engage in these actions can cause not only substantial injury or worse to others, but also to yourself. In life, one bad decision can often outweigh a lifetime of right choices.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, between 2020 and October 2025, there were 57,622 crashes related to distracted driving. 1,749 of those crashes resulted in fatal or serious injuries. From 2020 to 2025, there were 102,459 distracted driving violations statewide. These numbers have risen substantially —from 9,018 in 2023, to 27,823 in 2024, and 35,710 in 2025.
Between 2020 and October 2025, Ohio recorded 68,511 OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) crashes, 3,524 of which were fatal. During the same period, Allen County alone experienced over 17,000 total crashes, including 645 alcohol-related, 756 OVI-related, and 814 distracted driving-related incidents. It is likely that many more crashes involved cell phone use that went unreported.
The purpose of this grant is to help students recognize the dangers of distracted and impaired driving. As high school seniors prepare to transition to college and gain greater independence, it is crucial that they make informed and responsible decisions behind the wheel to protect both themselves and those around them.
To support this mission, The Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis is offering two $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors who have been accepted into an accredited college or university.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a senior in High School at a school located in Allen County, Ohio.
- Have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
- Be accepted into a college or university. Winners will be required to provide proof of acceptance.
Essay Requirements:
Students must draft a 750-word minimum essay on one of the two prompts:
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and/or Alcohol
- Texting and Driving
Each student can submit to only one of the two prompts. A submission by any one student for both prompts will result in exclusion from consideration.
- The essay must have the following format:
- A short introductory paragraph stating who you are, your GPA, what High School you currently attend, and what college or university you plan to attend.
- A paragraph explaining what the problem is and how it affects the ability to drive safely.
- A paragraph on how it affects you and why it matters. This can include experiences you have had or stories you have heard that have had an impact on your perspective on the problem.
- A final paragraph on what you can personally do to prevent the problem and drive more safely.
Deadline:
Application will be accepted from January 3, 2026, to March 31st, 2026
Winners will be notified by May 1, 2026
Please note that by joining the contest, you are consenting to the publication of your photo and essay on our website.
