Road Rules: Parents Encouraged to Talk to Their Teens About National Teen Driver Safety Week
October 18, 2021 - San Antonio
On the road again. “Parents and guardians can be the biggest influencers on a teen’s choice behind the wheel,” said a spokesperson from the San Antonio Municipal Court on Friday. Photo: jeshoots.com.
By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- San Antonio Municipal Court is encouraging the community to participate in National Teen Driver Safety Week, Oct. 17-23
- Adults are asked to have conversations with their teens about driving rules they need to follow
According to the CDC, motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death among U.S. teens. This week, the San Antonio Municipal Court is encouraging the community to participate in National Teen Driver Safety Week, which began Sunday, Oct. 17 and ends Saturday.
“Parents and guardians can be the biggest influencers on a teen’s choice behind the wheel if they take the time to talk with their teens about driver safety,” said a Municipal Court spokesperson on Friday.
This National Teen Driver Safety Week, the San Antonio Municipal Court would like to encourage adults to have conversations with their teens about the important driving rules they need to follow to keep them and San Antonio roads safe.
These rules include:
No alcohol or drugs. There is a zero-tolerance law in Texas for drivers under 21 years old.
No cellphone use. Cellphone use is prohibited by the Texas GDL (Graduated Driver Licensing) and for all drivers under the age of 18.
No drowsy driving. The typical teen does not get enough sleep every night, making them more at risk when driving.
No speeding. Speeding is one of the top three mistakes that teens make when learning to drive, according to a Municipal Court spokesperson.
Always wear a seatbelt. Most fatalities involving teen death are caused by not buckling one’s seatbelt while the vehicle is in motion.
For more ideas on how to promote positive teen driver safety behaviors, visit the following websites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
National Organizations for Youth Safety
National Road Safety Foundation
Students Against Destructive Decisions
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @satx_writer