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.

ALLEN COUNTY, OH (WLIO) - A Lima Central Catholic student's dedication to preventing dangerous driving is being recognized in a big way.

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

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.

In an effort to help people stay aware of the dangers of being in a vehicle without wearing a seat belt, the Allen County Safe Community Coalition and the Allen East SADD Team came together to talk about just that. It was held as the official kickoff for the Click It or Ticket campaign, which is held on Memorial Day Weekend. Around the country and here locally, law enforcement will be looking for those that are not buckled in while on the road.

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.

Students at Perry High School are reminding their peers to buckle up and stay focused on the roads.