CTDOT Reminds Families with Teen Drivers: Safe Driving Starts with a Conversation

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind parents, guardians, and caregivers to talk with their teen drivers about making smart, safe choices behind the wheel during National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 19-25, 2025.

Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death for teens in the U.S. According to NHTSA, in 2023, 822 teen drivers died in crashes and a total of 2,611 teen drivers were involved in crashes where someone died.

In Connecticut, young drivers continue to face elevated crash risks. In 2023, an estimated 965 teen drivers were injured in motor vehicle crashes, and an estimated 1,956 people were injured in crashes involving teen drivers - accounting for almost 6% of all those injured on the roadway that year statewide.

"Every safe driver starts with a supportive parent or mentor," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "It's easy to think your teen knows the rules of the road, but ongoing conversations make a real difference. Encouragement, boundaries, and example-setting help build the habits that save lives."

"It's always exciting to see teens visit the DMV alongside their parents or caregivers to get their very first driver's license," said Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Tony Guerrera. "However, with this excitement comes a significant responsibility for both the teen driver and their families. I encourage all new drivers to adhere to the teen driving laws and strongly urge all parents and caregivers to model safe driving practices."

The most common risks for teen drivers include speeding, distraction (especially from phones or passengers), drowsy or impaired driving, inconsistent seat belt use, and carrying multiple passengers. Parents and caregivers are urged 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, the CTDOT Highway Safety Office will continue to bring two longstanding programs to Connecticut high schools during the 2025-2026 school year:

Choices Matter 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.

• Oct. 20 - 9:45 a.m. | Wilton High School, 395 Danbury Rd, Wilton
• Oct. 21 - 8:15 a.m. | University High School of Science and Engineering, 351 Mark Twain Dr, Hartford
• Oct. 21 - 1 p.m. | Shepaug Valley High School, 159 South St, Washington
• Oct. 22 - 12:30 p.m. | Housatonic Valley Regional High School, 246 Warren Turnpike Rd, Falls Village
• Oct. 23 - 9 a.m. | AAA-Gen Z Safe Driving Summit, Hilton Garden Inn, 291 Old Gate Lane, Milford
• Oct. 24 - 1:30 p.m. | Hopkins School, 986 Forest Rd, New Haven

Save a Life Tour raises awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and will be stopping at several high schools throughout the state. Learn more at savealifetour.com.

• Oct. 20 - 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Maloney High School, 121 Gravel St., Meriden
• Oct. 21 - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Hamden High School, 2040 Dixwell Ave., Hamden
• Oct. 23 - 7:55 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Henry Abbott Technical High School, 21 Hayestown Ave., Danbury
• Oct. 24 - 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. | New Britain High School Satellite Careers Academy, 40 Goodwin St., New Britain

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