Welcome!

TxSDY Institutes are day-long events that focus on specific issues facing our communities. Whether offered as stand-alone events or as specialized learning tracks within larger conferences, Institutes provide an opportunity for participants to dive deeper on pressing prevention topics. Together, we can expand our prevention efforts and implement proven solutions that create healthier, safer communities where our kids can thrive.

What is The Institute on Youth Access & Impaired Driving?

Our 2026 Institute on Youth Access and Impaired Driving will focus on:

• Implementing effective strategies that reduce youth access to alcohol and other drugs
• Supporting the enforcement of underage drinking and impaired driving laws
• Engaging young people in our work

Through interactive presentations and activities, participants will explore effective approaches to prevention, deterrence, and outreach. Attendees from across Texas will collaborate to increase awareness, strengthen enforcement efforts, and develop community-based solutions that prevent youth substance use and impaired driving. 

Why Focus on Youth Access and Impaired Driving?

In Texas, one in three middle and high school students say it’s easy to get alcohol, and nearly one in five report they could easily access cannabis. This level of availability contributes to concerning youth access trends: alcohol remains the most commonly used substance among Texas youth, while cannabis is the most frequently used illicit drug. Youth substance use is linked to a range of serious consequences – including car crashes, a leading cause of death among teens. In fact, nearly one-third of all alcohol-related fatal crashes in Texas involve drivers age 25 and under. One of the most effective ways to prevent youth substance use and its harmful outcomes – like impaired driving – is to work collaboratively to reduce youth access to alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs.

Who Should Attend?

This TxSDY Institute is designed for anyone interested in preventing youth substance use and creating healthy, safe environments where our kids can thrive. This includes:

• Law Enforcement
• Members of the Judicial System
• Coalition Members
• Medical Professionals 
• Public Health & Safety Advocates
• Members of the Traffic Safety Community
• Substance Use Prevention Professionals & Organizations
• School Personnel
• Youth
• Parents

When

Where

Lodging

We will have a special group rate at the Austin Marriott South. Check out the Travel and Logistics page for additional details.

TCOLE & CEU Certificates available!