In a concerted effort to curb the deadly risks associated with distracted driving, the San Antonio Municipal Court, flanked by city officials, kicked off Distracted Driving Awareness Month with a sobering reminder of the stakes involved. The campaign included a heart-wrenching anecdote from San Antonio’s own Karin Zaltsman, a mother who lost her daughter Emily to a texting driver's moment of inattention, as reported on the City's website.
"While April serves as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, this message is one that must be shared and reinforced throughout the year," Municipal Court Presiding Judge Carla Obledo underscored during the press conference. The call for vigilance against the menace of mobile devices behind the wheel comes alongside a plea for year-round prudence, signaling a legislative and cultural push that intertwines education, enforcement, and advocacy, as part of the Court’s Drive SAfely SA initiative. Zaltsman's poignant tale was also adapted into a public service announcement to amplify the message.
Karin Zaltsman took to the stage with a life-saving message, "Just like we learned to put on our seatbelt when we first get into the car, now we need to change our thoughts, and our attitudes about our phones when we’re driving," Zaltsman expressed.
To support this drive for safety, the Court provided actionable tips to avoid distraction, including stowing phones out of reach, programming navigation systems before embarking, utilizing passengers for communication needs, and pulling over when urgent calls or texts cannot wait. The public is encouraged to share the campaign's material to further the reach of Emily’s story.
For those interested in viewing the public service announcement or seeking further information on the Drive SAfely SA campaign, visit the Court's website or the City's YouTube channel.
