FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2023

DMV-TRAVELERS ANNOUNCE WINNERS IN TEEN SAFE DRIVING VIDEO CONTEST
Videos help raise awareness about teen driver safety

HARTFORD – The Department of Motor Vehicles and Travelers announced the winning high schools in their jointly sponsored 2023 Teen Safe Driving Video Contest. The videos focused on educating teens on how to be safer drivers to prevent crashes, injuries and deaths.

• First place goes to a student team at Thomaston High School.
• Second-place goes to a student team at Wilton High School
• Third place goes to a student team at Arts at the Capitol Theater in Willimantic.

The announcement was made on June 7 at the Travelers Insurance headquarters in Hartford at a ceremony to honor all award recipients. This year’s video contest theme was: “Driving Safe Habits.”

“Getting young drivers more involved initiatives like this is important because this particular group of drivers is statistically more inclined to be involved in crashes, some of which could be fatal,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “I want to congratulate all of the students who participated and helped spread this important message.”

The DMV-Travelers video contest encourages teens in high schools statewide to think about decisions that could cause a crash in an instant. More than 200 students from 20 schools participated, submitting 103 videos. 

“We all know the excitement of finally being able to get your driver’s license. But even as we celebrate that excitement, it’s important our young drivers recognize that with newfound freedom also comes the responsibility of driving safely,” said Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “Speeding, driving recklessly, or using a cell phone or texting while driving can put your license at risk – but more seriously, can risk the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others. I applaud the students across the state who participated in this year’s video contest, and congratulations to the winners!” 

DMV Commissioner Antonio “Tony” Guerrera was House chair of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Transportation Committee in 2008. He helped lead the effort to change state laws to increase safety for teen drivers.

“The teen driving laws in Connecticut have prevented needless tragedies from happening on the road,” Commissioner Guerrera said.  “These videos are a great example of why these laws are important, how they make a difference and why we need to remain vigilant every time a young person gets behind the wheel.  Thank you to Travelers for co-sponsoring the contest and congratulations to all who participated in the contest.”

Travelers awarded the winning students and their high schools over $20,000 in prize money.  For the first place award, Thomaston High School received $6,000 and the two student winners split $1,250.  

“The Teen Safe Driving Video Contest is a powerful platform for our youngest drivers to learn the importance of avoiding distractions and developing good habits behind the wheel,” said Michael Klein, Executive Vice President and President of Personal Insurance at Travelers. “We are proud to continue supporting the contest, and we hope that this program helps teens in Connecticut feel empowered to have important conversations with their peers about driving safety.”
 
These videos will be used to raise teens’ safety awareness through peer-to-peer conversation. For instance, the Thomaston High School video will be featured in advertising by the state Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Governor’s Highway Safety Office. DOT is a leader in the state in preventative measures to stop distracted driving.

The contest also made awards to schools for: Use of Connecticut (Hall High School, West Hartford); Use of Dialogue (Arts at the Capitol Theater and Hall High School); Best Call to Action (Wilton High School); Diversity Award (Wilton High School). 

View the three top-ranking videos:

First Place
School: Thomaston High School
Students: Connor Miller and Daniel Sauve
Watch here 

Second Place
School:  Wilton High School
Students:  Dino Bocuzzo and Josh Meltzer 
Watch here

Third Place
School:  Arts at the Capitol Theater (Willimantic)
Students:  Luis Baldomero, William Frank and Alex Pallein 
Watch here  

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