2026 Vision Zero Writing Challenge
2026 Vision Zero Writing Challenge
Entries due Friday, April 3rd at 11:59 PM
Back by popular demand, the Transportation Department is hosting its second Vision Zero Writing Challenge!
Last year, the public submitted 30 incredibly written pieces about transportation safety. This year's theme is based upon Distracted Driving Awareness Month. But whether driving, biking, or walking, distractions put lives at risk. We say, "If you’re moving, stay focused."
Prompt:
Vision Zero SA wants your poem or short essay about this theme: "Distractions have no place on our streets." Write about a personal experiences about distractions when on the road and what it taught you about traffic safety. If writing an opinion piece, explain what brought you to your conclusion about distracted transportation.
- Winner prize: Social media feature and a $50 HEB gift card.
- Every qualifying entry is eligible to receive a 2026 Fiesta medal, while supplies last.
Parameters:
- 12 pt. font
- Times New Roman or Arial font style
- 300 words maximum
- Title your work
- Include your name or let us know if you’d like to be anonymous
- Indent each paragraph if an essay format
- Use correct grammar and punctuation
- Avoid foul language
- Turn in by Friday, April 3rd at 11:59PM
Note: Please adhere to the due date and parameters above to be considered for the winning prize and featured in the publication.
Submission:
- Email your titled PDF or Word document to VisionZeroSA@sanantonio.gov along with 1) an optional portrait of you, 2) your decision to give or deny your consent for us to use your work online, and 3) your address (for the prizes). Also, let us know if you would like to remain anonymous.
- Please reach out to VisionZeroSA@sanantonio.gov for any questions. Good luck!
- A winner will be selected by a Transportation Expert panel and be announced by the end of April 2026.
Come participate!
Thank you to all of our writers and readers!
We truly appreciate your participation and hope to see you again this year.
The winner of last year's Writing Challenge was Pam Dooley! Her essay on the significance of driving without distractions and caring for everyone on the road was incredibly moving and effective. She writes in her essay:
"Transportation safety isn't just about obeying signs or following speed limits. It's about respecting the fact that every person on the road—drivers, cyclists, pedestrians—is someone's loved one. We owe them our focus, our care, and our responsibility behind the wheel."
Read Pam's essay and other entries in the 2025 Vision Zero Writing Challenge Booklet! Please visit "Files" section on the right side of this page to view the document.