About Our Program
What is Choices, Chances & Changes?
Choices, Chances & Changes is a free, school-based traffic safety and injury prevention program designed to reduce teen motor vehicle crashes in Hamilton County. The program is a collaboration between UC Medical Center’s Trauma Department, Hamilton County Safe Communities, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, local law enforcement and the ThinkFirst program.
What is the goal of Choices, Chances & Changes?
The goal of the program is to:
Increase teen awareness of the consequences of unsafe driving
Encourage safer decision-making behind the wheel
Reduce teen motor vehicle crashes and related injuries
Highlight how a single driving choice can impact not just the driver, but their family, friends and community
Who should attend?
This program is designed for high school students, particularly teens who are:
New or inexperienced drivers
Preparing to begin driving
Passengers who want to understand how driving choices impact safety
Educators and school administrators may also benefit from the program’s prevention-focused approach.
What topics does the program cover?
Choices, Chances & Changes addresses critical teen driver safety topics, including:
Seat belt use
Distracted driving
Impaired driving
Pedestrian safety
Traffic laws and regulations
The physical, emotional and social consequences of motor vehicle crashes
How is the program structured?
The program is delivered over three days in participating high schools:
- Day 1: Students hear from a Think First volunteer who is a survivor of a motor vehicle crash and shares a personal story about injury, recovery and life after a crash.
- Day 2: A UC Medical Center Trauma Nurse presents on poor driving choices and their consequences, including traumatic injuries sustained in motor vehicle crashes. This day focuses heavily on real-world medical outcomes.
- Day 3: The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office or Cincinnati Police Department reviews traffic laws and regulations and shares firsthand experiences from officers who respond to motor vehicle crashes.
Can you share more details on what is covered during Day 2 of the program?
Day 2 focuses on seat belt use, impaired driving, distracted driving and the potential traumatic injuries caused by motor vehicle crashes. Students are guided through what happens after a crash—from the scene to the trauma center and beyond.
Is the program interactive?
Yes. Students have hands-on opportunities to see and interact with medical equipment commonly used after motor vehicle crashes, such as:
Neck braces
Chest tubes
Airways
Drains
Colostomy bags
This interactive approach helps students better understand the serious, long-term impacts of unsafe driving behaviors.
Where is the program offered?
Choices, Chances & Changes is offered in local high schools throughout Hamilton County.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. The program is free for participating schools and students.
Will this program change how students think about driving?
Yes. Through survivor stories, medical expertise and law enforcement perspectives, Choices, Chances & Changes helps students understand that the choices they make today can have lifelong consequences—and that safer choices can save lives.
