The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to encourage parents, guardians, and caregivers to have important conversations with their teen drivers about road safety during National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 20-26, 2024.
“Parents can play a vital role in shaping their teens’ driving habits and safety awareness. Talking to your teens about the dangers of risky driving behaviors can be lifesaving,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “This week serves as a reminder that we must guide young drivers through the risks they face every day. Having these conversations can improve safety for everyone on our roadways.”
According to NHTSA, motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death for teens ages 15-18 in the U.S. In 2022, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes involving a teen (15-18 years old) driver.
In Connecticut in 2022, an estimated 1,037 teen drivers (15-18 years old) were injured in motor vehicle crashes, and an estimated 2,033 people were injured in crashes involving teen drivers, accounting for almost 6% of all those injured on the roadway that year.
Key risks for teen drivers include alcohol use, inconsistent or no seat belt use, especially in the back seat, distracted driving, drowsy driving, speeding, and having multiple passengers in the car. Parents and caregivers are urged to familiarize themselves with Connecticut’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws to better protect their teens on the road.
As part of its ongoing commitment to educating teen drivers, the CTDOT Highway Safety Office will continue to bring two longstanding programs to Connecticut high schools during the 2024-2025 school year:
- Choices Matter: This program focuses on the dangers of impaired driving and will visit several Connecticut high schools during National Teen Driver Safety Week. For more information, visit choicesmatter.us.
- Save a Life Tour: This interactive program raises awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and will be stopping at several high schools throughout the state. Learn more at savealifetour.com.
For more information on National Teen Driver Safety Week and tips on keeping teens safe behind the wheel, visit nhtsa.gov.