The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is encouraging parents, guardians, and caregivers to speak with their teen drivers about road safety during National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs from October 19 to 25, 2025.
Motor vehicle accidents remain a significant risk for young drivers across the United States. NHTSA data from 2023 shows that 822 teen drivers lost their lives in crashes, and teen drivers were involved in incidents resulting in 2,611 fatalities nationwide.
Connecticut continues to see a high number of crashes involving young drivers. In 2023, an estimated 965 teen drivers in the state were injured in car accidents. Overall, about 1,956 people were hurt in Connecticut crashes involving teen drivers, making up nearly six percent of all roadway injuries that year.
“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.”
Common risks for young motorists include speeding, distractions such as mobile phone use or passengers, driving while tired or impaired, inconsistent seat belt use, and carrying multiple passengers. State officials recommend that parents review Connecticut’s Graduated Driver Licensing laws as part of efforts to keep teenagers safe on the road.
The CTDOT Highway Safety Office is continuing its educational outreach during the 2025-2026 school year by bringing two established programs into high schools across Connecticut:
Choices Matter is a program focused on preventing impaired driving among teens and will visit several schools during National Teen Driver Safety Week. Additional details can be found at choicesmatter.us.
Save a Life Tour aims to educate students about the dangers of distracted driving and will also be stopping at various Connecticut high schools. More information is available at savealifetour.com.
Further resources on keeping teen drivers safe can be found at nhtsa.gov.
