AAA, SADD Partner to Prevent Marijuana-Impaired Teen Driving

By Press release submission

Dec 8, 2022

From November 29, 2022 post.

Working with law enforcement and prevention professionals across Ohio

Columbus, Ohio (November 28, 2022) – AAA and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) have partnered to educate youth on the risks of marijuana-impaired driving. The primary focus of the partnership is the delivery of peer-to-peer education by SADD’s student leaders utilizing a curriculum developed by AAA Northeast called Shifting Gears: The Blunt Truth About Marijuana & Driving. The curriculum, endorsed by Brown University’s School of Public Health, addresses:

The effects of THC on the developing teenage brain

Research-based information on increased crash risks for marijuana-impaired drivers

The physical and cognitive processes affected by marijuana use

The Shifting Gears: The Blunt Truth About Marijuana & Driving program has been delivered to approximately 60,000 high school students throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island and is now being launched in Ohio. Pre- and post-program surveys demonstrate significant attitudinal change; after participating in the Shifting Gears program, 98% of teens surveyed agreed that marijuana impairs driver performance, and 95% of participants agreed that marijuana affects a driver’s reaction time.

Drug impaired driving is a growing problem on Ohio’s roads. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol:

37% of Ohio traffic fatalities in 2021 involved someone under the influence of drugs

The most common drug of abuse in fatal crashes was cannabis by an almost 3-1 margin (cannabis 292/amphetamines 104)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol made more than 18,000 impaired driving arrests in 2021 – every 28 minutes someone was arrested for OVI by a state trooper

“Data and research confirm the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana,” said Kimberly Schwind, director, public affairs for AAA Ohio Auto Club. “This evidence-based program aims to save lives by proactively educating our youth on the risks of marijuana impaired driving.”

Interview Opportunities:

On December 1, 2022, from 1-3 p.m. an in-person training and media event will be held at AAA Ohio headquarters, 90 E Wilson Bridge Rd, Worthington.

December is National Impaired Driving Awareness Month, and the collaboration strives to bring greater attention to marijuana-impaired driving and its devastating effects across Ohio. Representatives from AAA, SADD, The Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Jennifer’s Messengers will be among those present.

“We’re thrilled to join with our longtime partners at AAA in making this program available to student leaders across Ohio. Drug impaired driving is a critical issue, a public health crisis that continues to grow. By empowering our students with the knowledge and resources they need to combat this issue, we will make our roadways safer for all users,” said Rick Birt, SADD president and CEO.

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About SADD

Since 1981, SADD, the nation’s premier youth health and safety organization, has worked to empower teens, engage parents, mobilize communities, and change lives around the issues of traffic safety, substance abuse, and personal health and safety. Through a national network of peer-led chapters in middle schools, high schools and colleges, SADD equips students with the resources they need to advocate for change on their campuses and in their communities. Join the movement by visiting www.sadd.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

About Jennifer’s Messengers

Jennifer’s Messengers is a Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) driving awareness campaign of Parents Opposed to Pot (PopPot.org), a 501(c3) nonprofit. PopPot.org wants to use this campaign to awaken our country to the emerging threat of more drug users on the road. Surveys of marijuana users tell us that they have no qualms about getting behind the wheel, high or very high. We also know that alcohol paired with marijuana poses even greater risks of traffic incidents. More information on Jennifer’s Messengers can be found by visiting https://jennifersmessengers.org/

About AAA

AAA provides more than 63 million members with travel-, insurance-, financial- and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited online at AAA.com.