City Unveils Resource and Education Center to Empower Teen Drivers

Published on June 03, 2024

SAN ANTONIO (June 3, 2024) – In a groundbreaking initiative to foster safer roads and empower the City's youth, the City of San Antonio Municipal Court, in collaboration with the Transportation Department, announces the opening of the “Drive SAfely SA Resource and Education Center."

The Center was established under the guidance of Municipal Court’s Presiding Judge Carla Obledo as a solution to a growing problem: the increasing number of unlicensed teenage drivers entering the court system with traffic citations. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide these teens with the necessary resources to enhance their driving skills and ultimately obtain a driver's license.

"The Drive SAfely SA Resource and Technology Center represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to create safer roads for everyone,” Judge Carla Obledo said. “By combining the expertise of the Transportation Department and the commitment of the Municipal Court, we are providing a unique and invaluable resource for unlicensed teenage drivers to learn, grow, and become responsible members of our driving community."

The Center, funded in part by the Transportation Department's Vision Zero SA program, stands as a testament to the City's commitment to eliminating traffic-related fatalities and injuries while providing necessary courses designed to keep teenagers safer on our roads.

"Vision Zero SA's collaboration in this initiative reaffirms its dedication to promoting road safety,” Director of Transportation Catherine Hernandez said. “We are proud to contribute to the Drive SAfely SA Resource and Technology Center, knowing that it will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our city's road users."

Key Features of the Drive SAfely Resource and Technology Center:

• The center offers Texas Department of Public Safety online courses so that teenagers can get their driver’s license.
• Interactive training with Vision Zero SA educators to cover essential topics such as safe driving practices, defensive driving techniques, and the dangers of distracted driving and driving under the influence.
• Videos produced under the Vision Zero SA program are available at the center, offering valuable insights and guidance on responsible and safe driving behavior, as well as the specific challenges faced by young drivers, including distractions, alcohol-related issues, and other unsafe behaviors.

The Drive SAfely SA Resource and Technology Center is poised to make a lasting impact on the community by equipping the next generation of drivers with the knowledge and skills needed for safe and responsible journeys. As the center opens its doors, the city looks forward to a future where every driver, young and old, contributes to the Vision Zero goal of zero traffic-related fatalities and injuries.