The City of Austin is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to empower parents to discuss safe driving habits with their young drivers. National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 20-26.

Across the United States, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2023, 460 drivers in fatal crashes in Texas were under the age of 20 based on data collected by the Texas Department of Transportation. Locally, 23.1% of the Austinites killed or seriously injured in traffic crashes in 2023 were under 25, according to Austin Vision Zero.

“National Teen Driver Safety Week is an excellent time for parents and guardians to talk with their teens about driving safely,” said Catherine Cousar, Public Information Specialist for the Austin Municipal Court. “Even if you’ve talked to your teen before, it is good to remind them of safe driving practices, including always wearing a seatbelt, obeying the speed limit, not driving with distractions, and never getting behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol or drugs.”

Austin's Municipal Court (AMC) invites the public to join them at Austin Independent School District / Austin Police Department’s Trunk Or Treat event on Sunday, Oct 20 from 4 pm – 7 pm at Nelson Field, 7105 Berkman Drive, Austin, Texas, 78752. AMC will have a table with information on teen driving safety and can answer questions on how teens can get their first driver's license.

Check out the Texas Department of Public Safety site for information on teenager licenses. The Austin Municipal Court Youth Services office is also available at 512-974-4659 to help with questions.

For more information about National Teen Driver Safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving.