WETHERSFIELD, Conn — The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is reminding parents of young drivers to talk to them about being safe while behind the wheel as the state sees a rise in fatal crashes involving teen drivers.
The reminder comes during National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs through Oct 23. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 18-year-olds nationwide, officials said.
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These are some of the biggest dangers for teen drivers while on the road, according to the DMV:
- Alcohol
- Inconsistent or no seatbelt use
- Distracted or drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Number of passengers
There are state laws specific to drivers ages 16-17, known as Graduated Driving Licensing Laws. Some of the many GDL laws include following a nighttime driving curfew and refraining from driving friends around for the first year of having a driver's license.
DMV Deputy Commissioner Tony Guerrera told FOX61 on Thursday, "We also encourage parents to make sure they're doing the right thing because kids learn from their parents and what they see when they are in their vehicle."
Officials said that parents who take the time to talk to their teens about big driving risks can influence their teens' choices behind the wheel.
Leah Myers is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at lmyers@fox61.com
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