The Connecticut Department of Transportation is using National Teen Driver Safety Week as a reminder to reinforce safe driving habits and the rules of the road.

The DOT said an estimated 1,000 teen drivers were injured in car crashes in 2021.

DOT spokesperson Josh Morgan wants these talks to happen to increase safety and decrease car crashes.

"These are conversations that we hope adults and their teen drivers have this week," said Morgan.

According to AAA Northeast, there were 33 deadly crashes involving teenage drivers, and over 12,000 teen drivers were involved in car crashes in the state last year.

"They make up a small percent of the population, but they make up a good portion of the crashes that happen on our roadways," said Morgan.

The DOT shared some key points to bring up when having these conversations with teen drivers:

"We want teens to feel empowered, if you see someone texting and driving speak up and remind them that what they're doing is unsafe," said Morgan.

The DOT said they want adults to lead by example and to continue safe driving conversations with the youth not just this week but all year round.