DMV to Provide Driving Schools with New Teen Safety Video

The Department of Motor Vehicles has a new video for use by driving schools. The video will be played during the mandatory two-hour joint parent-teen session in driver's ed class.

DMV is copying the video to DVD and plans to mail copies to driving schools statewide shortly, according to a release from DMV Wethersfield. 

"It's a conversation starter for parents and teens," said DMV Commissioner Melody A. Currey. The video covers the state's teen-specific driving laws, such as curfews, passenger restrictions and ban on cell phone use. It also reviews penalties for violations and tips for keeping safe behind the wheel. 

The video production, a collaboration by NBC Connecticut and the DMV, and features both Connecticut teens and police. Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center provided funding for the video distribution. Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital provided funding for subtitles for deaf and hearing impaired as well as translation into Spanish.

Attorney Richard Hastings of Ridgefield, an advisory committee member said that after attending the parent teen driver education class with his son, he approached the Connecticut DMV to suggest improving the driving school materials.  "We are very hopeful that these additional tools, that can be used by parents, will help to reduce teen accidents and save lives," said Hastings in the release.

By introducing Connecticut's rules for inexperienced drivers, including passengers, curfews, and distracting electronics, the video is intended as a conversation starter between parents and their teens.