Shifting Gears | AAA Northeast

A free program for high school health classes from AAA.

This program can be modified to fit each school's class schedule.

This lesson is designed to:

Explore the impact of marijuana on the developing teenage brain
Give students an experience of cognitive impairment through simulation goggles
Demonstrate the potential consequences that can occur related to driving
Provide evidence-based information about preconceived ideas about marijuana use
Explain the physical and cognitive processes that are affected by marijuana
Explain why driving under the influence of marijuana is a crime

Researchers at Brown University’s School of Public Health conducted a review of the data presented in Shifting Gears in 2019. The developers of the curriculum encourage high school health educators to implement the program to not only fulfill health education standards, but to educate teens about the dangers of driving while impaired.

Testimonials

“The Shifting Gears presentation was second to none…[it] caused my students to open their eyes wider to the effects of marijuana use and see the real-world implications when it comes to driving while impaired. Through your presentation, lives will be saved.”

Charles Moreau, Phys Ed Teacher

“The instructor delivered a compelling and educational presentation. Shifting Gears offers an authentic academic experience that every adolescent should see.”

Justine Boisvert, Health Ed Teacher

“Fabulous program that brought informational and interactive activities together. I am positive the students learned a great deal.”

Lisa Schwartz, RN, School Nurse

“Your presentation on marijuana and driving was excellent and made an impact on our students. You’ve been absolutely amazing to work with! We look forward to having the program next year. I can’t thank you enough!”

Karen Amber, Health & Phys Ed Teacher

Classroom activities will demonstrate:

Impairment of useful field of vision
Effects on perception and response
Influence on executive function

Weakened reaction time and visual perception
Impact on short term memory

State Standards and Frameworks

Connecticut

New Jersey

New York

Rhode Island

Massachusetts

What are YOUR students attitudes and behaviors regarding marijuana and driving?

We ask educators to assist us in administering a pre and post-program student survey.

Please forward these links to each of your students who will participate in the program as classwork or homework.
(Surveys should take approximately 5 minutes or less to complete):

Before the day of the program: Shifting Gears Pre-Program Survey
Following our visit to your school: Shifting Gears Post-Program Survey

SURVEY RESPONSES ARE ANONYMOUS. Aggregate data can be sorted by school and shared with you, so you are able to learn more about the program’s effectiveness and attitudes/behaviors around impaired driving in the school community. Thank you for your cooperation!