The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is proud to join with over 60 traffic safety and advocacy groups nationwide to observe National Passenger Safety Week, January 20-27, 2025. This critical initiative, led by We Save Lives and The National Road Safety Foundation, empowers passengers to take an active role in promoting safety and preventing crashes by speaking up when confronted with dangerous driving behaviors.
Reckless behaviors such as speeding, driving impaired, and distracted driving continue to threaten lives across the country and in Connecticut. Passengers have the power to prevent crashes and save lives by speaking up against unsafe driving practices.
In Connecticut in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, 366 people were killed in crashes. Of those, 148 people were killed in speeding-related crashes and 130 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes.
“We need passengers to feel empowered to speak up when confronted with unsafe driving behaviors. Whether it’s stopping someone from driving impaired, urging them to slow down, reminding them to put their seat belt on, or telling them to put their phone away, passengers can save lives by taking action,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. “Speaking up from the front or back seat is not just an option, it’s a responsibility that could make the difference between life and death.”
“Distracted driving remains a significant issue, but there are proactive steps passengers, regardless of age can take to promote safety on the road,” said Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicle Commissioner Tony Guerrera. “Simple reminders, such as encouraging someone to buckle up, avoid distractions and use good judgement can make a big difference. It’s always better to speak up!”
Nationally in 2022, an estimated 3,308 people were killed in crashes that involved distracted drivers, and 289,310 were injured. Additionally in 2022, there were 11,302 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes and 13,524 people killed in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths.
“Backseat passengers need to speak up. It’s an ability I had to embrace once I gave up my car and became a passenger. I have met too many families affected by these tragedies. There is a solution. We can stop crashes just by speaking up,” said Candace Lightner, founder and president of We Save Lives. “We must stop worrying about being an anxious passenger or a busybody…ask yourself if you love yourself enough to speak up.”
“When people understand the dangers of driving impaired, distracted, aggressively and drowsy, there’s a better chance they will speak up if they are passengers in a car being driven unsafely. The National Passenger Safety Week campaign hopes to empower passengers about how they can save lives by calling out unsafe driving before crashes happen,” said Michelle Anderson, director of operations at The National Road Safety Foundation. “We can’t worry about being considered ‘backseat drivers.’ It’s for everyone’s safety.”
National Passenger Safety Week highlights the critical role passengers play in roadway safety and encourages them to challenge unsafe driving behaviors. The campaign’s Courage to Intervene Promise serves as a guiding pledge:
- Stop drivers from driving buzzed, drunk, or drugged.
- Refuse to ride with impaired drivers.
- Discourage drivers from using cell phones while driving.
- Intervene to prevent unsafe driving, prioritizing safety for everyone on the road.
The CTDOT is committed to reducing roadway fatalities and empowering passengers to take an active role in promoting safety. For more information about National Passenger Safety Week and how you can make a difference, visit nationalpassengersafety.org.