New Haven (WTNH) _ Young lives are being cut short in senseless crashes and at alarming rates across Connecticut. Now the state is trying to get a grip on the problem.

A new study by the DMV shows that over the last ten years most fatal crashes in Connecticut involved drivers who were 17-year-olds.  It's something one mother knows all too well.

"I have two very special angels holding me up," Donna Apruzzese said. "I have to give them the credit."

Donna Apruzzese lost both her children -- 14-year-old Jessica and 17-year-old Anthony, along with 15-year-old Thamara Correa. They were all killed in a car crash in Wolcott on October 4th.  She has since decided to share her pain and her grief with teenagers at area high schools. She says, to try to penetrate their notion of invincibility.

"If only one teen can listen or if one teen can be saved," Apruzzese said. "It'll be worth it for me."

Apruzzese is also attending the public forums of the Governor's Teen Driving Task Force -- to show how important it is that laws on teen drivers are toughened up.

"The fatality rates remain too high for 16 and 17-year-olds and that's why they shouldn't have a full license but a restricted license," Robert Ward, DMV Commissioner, said.

And, more driver's education, tougher penalties for infractions, and possibly a curfew. These are all ideas the task force is currently batting around -- anything that will help young drivers make better decisions.

"One of my best friends, she's a crazy driver but I like hold on tight when I'm in the car with her but she's my best friend so obviously I'm gonna get in the car," Alyssa Carbone, of West Haven, said.

Folks hope that stories like that of Jessica and Anthony Apruzzese will slow her friend down. Because, it only takes one bad choice -- one careless moment.

"I don't want anyone to ever have to go through this," Apruzzese said.

Other considerations are requiring a full year before a teenager can have anyone but a family member as a passenger and making them do day and night driving -- as well as in bad weather.