SPECIAL REPORT: Keeping teen drivers safe during dangerous days of summer

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for American teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And that risk increases during the summer.

Recently, a group of Santa Cruz County teens conducted a survey outside local schools. They found that in every case, drivers were distracted at least 20% of the time.

These statistics have hit home for some Central Coast communities, like Gilroy.

In one week, five young people were killed in two horrific car accidents in Gilroy.

July 9th marks exactly two months since the first victim, 15-year-old Natalia Salcido, passed away. Even though she’s gone, the cheerleader, big sister, and volunteer is still making a difference.

“She was very outgoing. She had a bright life force. She was outgoing. Bubbly, beautiful, and she was a go-getter,” Andora Salcido said about her daughter.

The accident happened on the eve of Mother’s Day, and one week before Natalia’s Sweet 16.

“It literally was like she was here with us, and then just gone. We didn’t have that opportunity for that long hug, that goodbye kiss, to say goodbye,” Christopher Salcido said.

Natalia was on her way home with friends, sitting in the front passenger seat when the driver went off the road and hit a tree. Natalia was the only one who died.

Gilroy Police are still investigating why the accident happened. Officers on scene did not suspect DUI, but toxicology reports are not back yet.

The driver had a provisional license. California law says provisional drivers can’t have anyone underage in their car unless its a sibling.”

“I’m sure Natalia would tell her friends, don’t get in those cars,” Christopher Salcido said.

Sixteen-year-old Kaitlyn Davis said learning how to drive this summer isn’t how she pictured it.

“Driving is a little different to me now,” she said. “When I first started driving it was like really fun and exciting and I didn’t really think about the consequences as much.”

But those consequences became real on May 9th when her classmate, teammate and friend Natalia died in that accident.

The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known nationally as the “100 Deadliest Days for Teens.” That’s because they are on the road more often.
Triple A also reports 1,000 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers between those holidays in 2012.

Kaitlyn and her mom say even though Natalia’s gone, she’s still reminding them to be extra careful behind the wheel, with her picture in their car.

“I know for Kaitlyn it certainly has impacted her and I know that for our family, for the rest of our lives, we will be trying to do more and be better because of Natalia, to honor her,” Ericka Davis, Kaitlyn’s mom, said.

For their part, California Highway Patrol Officers are also trying to do more, offering extra “Start Smart” classes during summer.

“We touch on distracted driving, drugs and alcohol, being your friends’ keeper so to speak, doing the right thing,” CHP Officer Trista Sharp said.

According to CHP, the risk of a collision for a teenager is four times that of an experienced driver.

“The studies have shown that in the first year of driving, distracted driving and night time driving are a big factor in the collisions so DMV has changed their regulations in order to keep new and teen drivers safe.”

State law has specific requirements before a 16-year-old can even go take their driver’s test at the DMV. A total of 50 hours behind the wheel with a parent, ten of which need to be at night

Natalia Salcido never got the chance to put in those hours, a major milestone missed, like so many other she had ahead of her.

“She made the varsity cheer team, elected to student council, made part of that link crew,” Christopher Salcido said.

But even so, her parents know she was happy and loved — proof they later found inside a handwritten Mother’s Day card.

Natalia was laid to rest in her cheerleading uniform, something her parents say she worked very hard to earn.

“Natalia is a cheerleader beyond the games, beyond the dances, she’s a cheerleader for all of us… still..”

Natalia’s parents want her legacy to live on. They’ve started the Natalia Salcido Legacy Fund, which will raise money to help kids who may not have the means to do extracurricular activities.

Part of the Legacy Fund will also help bring “Every 15 Minutes” to Natalia’s school, Christopher High. The campaign is a mock car crash to help teens understand the impact of them.

The next event for the Legacy Fund is a “Cut-A-Thon” on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19. The event offers haircuts and blowouts for $30. The event will take place at Majestic Beauty (1053 Cochrane Road, Suite 100 in Morgan Hill). On Saturday, the event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Sunday, it runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The next “Start Smart” CHP class for Santa Cruz County is on August 4 at 6:00 p.m. at Aptos High School.