The Keys Are Just the Beginning: CTDOT Highlights Teen Driver Safety

During National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 18-24, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is reminding teens and their parents, guardians, and caregivers about the importance of developing safe driving habits at an early age.

Traffic crashes are a leading cause of injury and death for 15- to 18-year-olds in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2024, 85,947 teen drivers were injured in crashes, and 2,320 people died in crashes involving a teen driver. Of those who died, 752 were teen drivers and 478 were passengers in a teen's vehicle.

In Connecticut in 2024, 1,965 people were injured in crashes involving teen drivers, including 997 teen drivers. In those crashes, nine people were killed, including five teen drivers. Overall, teen driver crashes accounted for approximately 6% of all crash injuries statewide.

"Getting behind the wheel comes with a lot of freedom, but it also comes with major responsibility," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Teen drivers are still gaining experience, and the choices they make can have lasting consequences. We encourage parents and caregivers to set clear expectations and help their teens understand that safe driving is a responsibility every time they get behind the wheel."

Speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, drowsy driving, not wearing a seat belt, and carrying multiple passengers can all increase the risks faced by teen drivers. NHTSA reports that in 2024, speeding was a factor in 33% of fatal crashes involving a teen driver, while 22% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes had been drinking.

CTDOT urges parents and caregivers to familiarize themselves with Connecticut's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws to help protect their teens on the road.

As part of its ongoing commitment to educating young drivers, CTDOT will continue to bring two longstanding programs to Connecticut high schools during National Teen Driver Safety Week and throughout the school year. Below are the programs scheduled in October. Members of the media who wish to cover any of these events should coordinate with the CTDOT Communications Office by emailing [email protected].

Save a Life Tour: This program raises awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and highlights the deadly consequences of unsafe driving practices through interactive presentations and demonstrations. Learn more at SaveALifeTour.com.

• Tuesday, October 20, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. | Bunnell High School, 1 Bulldog Blvd., Stratford
• Wednesday, October 21, 9:10 a.m.-2:10 p.m. | Fairchild Wheeler High School, 840 Old Town Rd., Bridgeport
• Thursday, October 22, 9:10 a.m.-2:10 p.m. | Fairchild Wheeler High School, 840 Old Town Rd., Bridgeport
• Friday, October 23, 9 a.m.-2:05 p.m. | New Britain High School Satellite Careers Academy, 40 Goodwin St., New Britain
• Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Weston High School, 115 School Rd., Weston
• Thursday, October 29, 2026, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Henry Abbott High School, 21 Hayestown Ave., Danbury
• Friday, October 30, 2026, 9:30 a.m. - 1:50 pm | Bristol Technical High School, 431 East Minor St., Bristol

Choices Matter: This program focuses on the dangers of impaired driving where speakers use their personal stories to connect with and inspire students to make safe choices behind the wheel. For more information, visit ChoicesMatter.com.

• Monday, October 26, 9:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m. | Watertown High School, 324 French St., Watertown
• Tuesday, October 27, 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Crosby High School, 300 Pierpont Rd., Waterbury
• Tuesday, October 27, 12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. | Seymour High School, 2 Botsford Rd., Seymour
• Wednesday, October 28, 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. | Bassick High School, 205 Broad St., Bridgeport
• Wednesday, October 28, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Hamden High School, 2040 Dixwell Ave., Hamden
• Thursday, October 29, 2026, 8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. | Bulkeley High School, 300 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford
• Thursday, October 29, 2026, 12:45 p.m. - 2:10 p.m. | Great Path Academy High School, 60 Bidwell St., Manchester
• Friday, October 30, 2026, 9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. | James Hillhouse High School, 480 Sherman Pkwy., New Haven

For more information on teen driver safety, visit nhtsa.gov.