City Of San Antonio: 100 Deadliest Days For Teen Drivers

San Antonio TX

04 June, 2022

11:03 AM

Description

Press release from the City of San Antonio: May 31, 2022 CONTACT: Yvonne Gomez, 210-207-1321 [email protected] SAN ANTONIO (May 31, 2022) — The San Antonio Municipal Court was joined by City officials today to launch the Drive SAfely SA "100 Deadliest Days" campaign, promoting driver safety in San Antonio. The campaign brings to light the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day known as the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers. Speeding, distraction and not buckling up are three factors that commonly result in preventable deaths and serious injuries on our roadways. Sadly, Texas leads the nation in the total number of fatal crashes involving young drivers during these months. "Deaths and serious injuries on our roadways are often preventable. It takes all of us making an effort to look out for each other," said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. "Teens, as you take to the roads this summer, make the decision to obey the speed limit, buckle up, every ride, every time, keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel." Throughout this same period last year, roughly 900 citations were issued by SAPD to teen drivers for offenses involving excessive speed, safety belt and cell phone violations. "This should serve as a reminder for all of us to buckle up, slow down, eliminate distractions and never drive impaired," said Municipal Court Presiding Judge Carla Obledo. "It takes all of us working together to keep our kids, our community and our roads safe." The Drive SAfely SA "100 Deadliest Days" campaign aims to educate the community and bring awareness to the issue. It includes a shareable digital resource with driver safety tips for parents and teens, and a PSA created with the help from students from the Johnson High School PTSA Smart Driving Club. TIPS TO KEEP TEENS SAFE THIS SUMMER 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. View 100 Deadliest Days PSA: https://youtu.be/T8TTQ22OXYE This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author's own.