Municipal Court Shines Spotlight on 100 Deadliest Days for Teen Driver

Published on May 30, 2023

Municipal Court 

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SAN ANTONIO (May 30, 2023) — The San Antonio Municipal Court is raising awareness about the "100 Deadliest Days" for teen drivers as part of its year-round Drive SAfely SA initiative. This period, which spans from Memorial Day to Labor Day, marks a significant increase in fatal car accidents involving teenagers. With the summer season just around the corner, the Court urges young drivers and their families to take proactive steps to ensure safe driving habits.

"Let us come together to protect our young drivers this summer.” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “By raising awareness and talking with our teens, we can ensure safe roads for everyone. Remember, it's our collective responsibility to keep our youth safe behind the wheel."

Throughout this same period last year, over 1,200 citations were issued by the San Antonio Police Department to teen drivers for offenses to include excessive speed, safety belt and cell phone violations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the average number of fatal teen driver accidents increases by approximately 15% during this period compared to the rest of the year. Factors contributing to this alarming statistic include increased road trips, more recreational activities, and the potential for distractions caused by passengers and electronic devices.

To support this effort throughout the summer, the Court will distribute driver safety materials, and the City's social media pages will share driver safety tips. Mayor Nirenberg will proclaim June 1 as " Teen Driver Safety Awareness Day," encouraging parents to discuss safe driving with their teenagers. Parents can ask their teens to sign the Parent-Teen Driver Safety First Agreement available at the Court’s website.

“Summer should be a time for memory making and fun,” said Municipal Court Presiding Judge Carla Obledo. “By providing the keys to safe driving, we can reduce the number of causalities on the road and ensure our teens make it home each and every day."

As part of the initiative, the Court offers the following tips for teen drivers and their families:

  • Limit Passengers – The leading cause of crashes among teenagers is talking and having conversations on the road. Passengers under the age of 21 significantly increase a teen driver's risk of being in an accident.
  • Obey the Speed Limit – Speeding is a critical safety issue for teen drivers. Teens who are monitored closely tend to speed less. Be consistent with the message you tell your teen driver and your own driving behavior.
  • Buckle Up – Wear your seatbelt on every trip, every time. This includes the driver and all passengers. Using a seatbelt is one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries.
  • Eliminate Distractions – Plan ahead! Keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel. It only takes a second of driver inattention to have a fatal outcome. Eat, groom, send texts, make calls, program directions, set your music before you hit the road.
  • Restrict Nighttime Driving – Reduced visibility, inexperience, and driver drowsiness are all factors that make driving at night more dangerous for teens.
  • Never Drive Impaired – Teens consuming drugs or alcohol is never a good idea and is illegal. Adding driving to the mix can have deadly consequences. Have a plan to get home safe. Don't drive impaired and never drive with an impaired driver.

The Court urges all residents to join in the effort to create a culture of responsible driving and safeguard the lives of San Antonio’s youth. For more information and educational resources, visit the SA.gov/Court