Drive Like Your Future Depends On It: Teen Driver Safety Week in Connecticut
A Teen Driver Safety Week Message from Ventura Law
Congratulations, you got your license or have a new teen driver in the house! It’s an exciting milestone and an important step toward independence, but with that freedom comes responsibility. At Ventura Law, we’re committed to helping Connecticut families stay safe and protected on the road.
Every October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognizes Teen Driver Safety Week, a time to focus on building good habits and reducing the risks young drivers face. According to the NHTSA, car crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for teens ages 15–18 in the United States.
Teen Driver Safety Week Giveaway!
At Ventura Law, we’re passionate about promoting safe driving and supporting new drivers as they build the skills and confidence they need on the road.
That’s why we’re excited to give away a FREE 1-hour driving lesson gift card
To enter:
👉 Simply fill out the form below with your information:
https://forms.gle/xDcmPSdByF7GYLbh6
Good luck, and thank you for joining us in supporting Teen Driver Safety Week and building safer roads for everyone.
Parents: Set Rules, Stay Involved, and Lead by Example
According to the NHTSA, parents are the #1 influence on their teen’s driving habits. Start early and talk often about what it means to be a safe, focused, and respectful driver.
Driving is a privilege, not a right. Setting firm rules and consequences helps teens understand that every choice behind the wheel carries real-life consequences.
4 Rules to Review Before Every Drive
- Buckle up – every seat, every ride.
- Keep your eyes on the road – no texting, scrolling, or taking calls.
- Follow the speed limit – it’s there for a reason.
- Never ride with anyone under the influence – always call for a ride.
- Learn more about Connecticut’s GDL (Graduated Driver Licensing) laws to understand how new drivers can earn their independence safely.
Distracted Driving: The Silent Danger
Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous and preventable habits among teen drivers. The NHTSA reports that 3,275 people were killed in distraction-related crashes in 2023, including 241 teens ages 15–19.
The CDC notes that younger drivers are more likely to be distracted behind the wheel than any other age group. Even a split-second glance at a text can be deadly.
Tips for Parents & Teens:
- Help your teen set up Apple CarPlay or Android Auto before driving.
- Use a car-safe phone mount to keep navigation visible without touching the phone.
- Turn on voice directions in GPS apps.
- Make your car a “No Phone Zone” — texts and calls can wait.
Connecticut’s Teen Driving Laws (GDL)
The state’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system helps teens gain experience safely.
- First 6 months: Drive only with parents, guardians, or licensed instructors (20 + with 4 years of experience).
- Next 6 months: Immediate family may ride along.
- Curfew: No driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. until 18.
- No cell phones or electronic devices while driving.
- Enter destinations before driving.
- Choose playlists before putting the car in gear.
- Learn more on the Connecticut DMV Teen Driving page.
Local Connecticut Driving Schools
If your teen is ready to learn from professionals, here are trusted driving schools serving Ventura Law’s communities:
- Epic Driving School – Danbury – 48 North St, Danbury, CT 06810
- Epic Driving School – Bridgeport – 1335 Wood Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604
- The Next Street – Norwalk Driving School – 430 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851
- The Next Street – Hartford Driving School – 30 Arbor St, Suite 223, Hartford, CT 06106
Online Resources & YouTube Videos for Teen Drivers
Learn, Watch, and Drive Smarter
- Distracted Driving Among Teens: What We Know and How to Prevent It (YouTube)
- Impact Teen Drivers YouTube Channel — real stories and prevention education.
- NHTSA: Teen Driver Education Hub — downloadable parent-teen driving agreements and tips.
- T-Driver.com Teen Resources — videos on distracted, drowsy, and impaired driving.
- CDC: Distracted Driving Prevention
Encourage your teen to explore these resources and remember: No text, call, like, snap, or comment is worth a life.
Teens: Your Choices Save Lives
Earning your license is one of life’s great achievements — but it’s also a promise. Every time you drive, you make choices that can save lives or change them forever.
So drive like your life depends on it.
Because it does.
If you or your teen are ever injured in a crash caused by a distracted or reckless driver, Ventura Law is here to help. We treat your family like our own — fighting for justice, accountability, and safer roads across Connecticut.
📞 Call Ventura Law at 203.800.8000 or visit our Car Accident Lawyer page to learn how we can help your family recover.