City of Austin

The City of Austin is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to encourage parents and guardians to talk with their teens about safe driving practices during National Teen Driver Safety Week, which is October 19-25.

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States. In 2024, 410 drivers under the age of 20 were involved in fatal crashes in Texas, based on data collected by the Texas Department of Transportation. Last year in Austin, 14 people between the ages of 16 and 25 died in traffic crashes, according to Austin Vision Zero.

“Parents play a critical role in preparing their teens to be safe and responsible drivers,” said Catherine Cousar, Public Information Specialist at the Austin Municipal Court. “It is important for parents to both teach their teens safe driving practices and to model those practices themselves. Talk with your teen about the importance of driving sober, avoiding distractions, not speeding, and wearing a seatbelt.”

Austin's Municipal Court (AMC) invites the public to join us at the Austin Independent School District / Austin Police Department’s Trunk-or-Treat event on Saturday, October 25, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Nelson Field, 7105 Berkman Drive, Austin, Texas, 78752. AMC staff will provide 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 unit 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.