CTDOT Press Releases
10/12/2022
The Connecticut Department of Transportation Encourages Parents of Teens to Drive Home the Message of Safety
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Highway Safety Office is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help empower parents, guardians, and caregivers to discuss the importance of driving safety with their teen drivers during National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs from October 16-22, 2022.
Currently, in the United States, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens between 15 and 18 years old. According to NHTSA, in 2020, an estimated 2,276 people were killed in car crashes involving teen drivers, and 748 of those deaths were teen drivers.
“It’s tremendously important for parents, guardians, and caregivers to communicate with their children about safe driving,” Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said. “Please discuss with your teen drivers how risky driving behaviors can lead to fatal consequences.”
Some of the greatest dangers for teen drivers include alcohol, inconsistent or no seat belt use (particularly in the back seat), distracted and drowsy driving, speeding, and the number of passengers in their cars. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are encouraged to familiarize themselves and their teens with Connecticut’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws to help keep them safe behind the wheel.
“Start the conversation about safe driving during National Teen Driver Safety Week, then keep the conversations going every day,” added Giulietti.
To educate Connecticut youth on safe driving practices, the CTDOT Highway Safety Office is bringing two safe driving programs to the state during the 2022-2023 school year. During Teen Driver Safety Week, the Choices Matter impaired driving program will be at the following high schools.
- Monday, October 17, 2022 – 9:20 – 10:05 a.m., in the auditorium
Biotechnology Research & Zoological Sciences School
840 Old Town Rd., Bridgeport
- Monday, October 17, 2022 – 12:50 – 1:35 p.m., in the auditorium
Information Technology & Software Engineering School
840 Old Town Rd., Bridgeport
- Wednesday, October 19, 2022 – 8:30 – 9:15 a.m., in the multipurpose room
Platt Technical High School
600 Orange Ave., Milford
- Thursday, October 20, 2022 – 8:30 – 9:15 a.m., in the multipurpose room
Eli Whitney Technical High School
100 Fairview Ave., Hamden
Learn more about the program at choicesmatter.us.
During Teen Driver Safety Week, the Save a Life Tour distracted driving program will be at the following high schools:
- Monday, October 17, 2022 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Stamford High School
55 Strawberry Hill Ave., Stamford
- Tuesday, October 18, 2022 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Academy of the Holy Family
54 W. Main St., Baltic
- Wednesday, October 19, 2022 AND Thursday, October 20, 2022 – 8:21 a.m. – 1:58 p.m.
Joseph A. Foran High School
80 Foran Rd., Milford
- Friday, October 21, 2022 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
New Britain High School Satellite Careers Academy
40 Goodwin St., New Britain
Learn more about the program at savealifetour.com.
For more information about National Teen Driver Safety Week, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving.
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OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
860-594-3062
CTDOTMedia@ct.gov
Twitter: @CTDOTOfficial
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