AAA Northeast and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) have partnered to educate youth on the risks of marijuana-impaired driving as more states legalize recreational marijuana.
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.
Pre and post program surveys demonstrate significant attitudinal change; after participating in the Shifting Gears program, 98 percent of teens surveyed agreed that marijuana impairs driver performance, and 95 percent of participants agreed that marijuana affects a driver’s reaction time.
“AAA Northeast’s partnership with SADD will provide an evidence-based program to SADD’s student leaders to educate their peers, the first generation of American drivers who will be licensed as states legalize marijuana and the drug is more widely available,” said John Galvin, AAA Northeast’s President, and CEO.
On April 20th (4/20) at 3pm, a web event hosted by SADD will stream on SADD and AAA’s social channels to address marijuana-impaired driving. Speakers include representatives from both organizations as well as Trooper Peter Pollard, a Drug Recognition Expert from Massachusetts State Police.
Video Recording of Conversation
“We’re thrilled to join with our longtime partners at AAA Northeast in making this program available to student leaders across the country. 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.
