December 10, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Public Safety: COLUMBUS — The Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) is partnering with AAA Northeast and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) to implement a program to educate high school students about the risks of underage cannabis/marijuana use while driving. “Shifting Gears: The Blunt Truth About Marijuana & Driving” uses science-based information to explain the physical and cognitive processes that are affected by cannabis and how those effects can impact the ability to drive safely.

The 100 deadliest days for teen drivers could become even deadlier. But national organizations are working together to combat that this summer.

Allen East students got a reminder to buckle up as part of the Click It or Ticket campaign Wednesday afternoon. The students participated in the Quick Click challenge, where teams of four rushed to a truck and buckled up as quickly as possible before switching seats.

Students at Allen East High School got to sit behind the wheel of a distracted driving simulation to see the real-life consequences of what it’s like to take your eyes off the road. According to the CDC, car crashes are the number one cause of death for teens in the country, and most of them involve reckless and distracted driving. It’s this preventable health epidemic that the students in SADD are trying to fight.

Friday evening, Perry and Allen East SADD programs teamed up to throw a special "You Matter" themed basketball game. Special "You Matter" shirts were available in both school colors. Brooke Dudgeon, who is behind the "You Matter" sign, was at the game as well, with a table set up, selling t-shirts, wristbands, and "YOU MATTER" signs. The proceeds from the event would go back into making more signs and shirts. The hope for the theme was to let people know they are not alone.

Allen East students took an afternoon to see how the decision to drink underage can spark a chain reaction. The national Students Against Destructive Decisions organization brought the underage drinking prevention presentation The Smashed Project to the school as a part of a pilot program to use theater to show students what they can do if they find themselves having to make a decision involving alcohol.

Students from Bath and Allen East Local Schools teamed up to show parents the S.A.D.D. reality many of today's teens face on the party scene. Bath and Allen East Students Against Destructive Decisions put on a mock party to show parents the reality their teens can face at high school parties, whether it’s peer pressure to drink or do drugs, sexual assault, or things that some students may see as more harmless.

Local law enforcement and members of the Allen County Students Against Destructive Decisions took to the stage, spreading some awareness on drinking and driving.