Many teenagers believe that driving under the influence of marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol, but the reality is that it poses serious risks. Marijuana can significantly impact driving ability, increasing the risk of a car accident that leaves drivers and passengers with serious injuries.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a safety alert for parents to help protect their teens from marijuana-impaired driving.
A deadly crash highlights the need for increased education
First, they explain the problem:
- Marijuana impairs key abilities necessary for safe driving, including motor coordination, reaction time, and judgment of time and distance.
- Studies from Washington State, where marijuana is legal, have found an increase in drivers testing positive for marijuana after being involved in fatal crashes post-legalization.
- Even in states where marijuana is legal, driving while impaired remains both unsafe and illegal across all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
- Driving under the influence of marijuana is hazardous for all drivers, but teens are particularly at risk due to their inexperience behind the wheel.
- In 2022, a total of 3,615 teen drivers (ages 15 to 19) were involved in fatal crashes.
The alert includes the final report on a fatal 2022 crash in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, where six teenagers died in a collision between a Chevrolet Spark and a semi-trailer truck. NTSB investigators concluded that the 16-year-old driver, likely impaired by recent marijuana use, failed to fully stop at a stop sign and turned left in front of the truck, which was loaded with gravel.
“The lesson from this tragedy is painfully clear: marijuana is an impairing substance, period—and it’s a lesson we can’t afford to wait until driver’s ed to teach,” said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy. “We’re already behind when it comes to traffic safety, and marijuana-impaired driving is exacerbating the crisis.”
Parents play an important role
The alert also provides tips for parents on what they can do to help protect their teens. They include:
- When discussing driving safety with your teen, include the dangers of marijuana-impaired driving.
- Explain how marijuana affects coordination, judgment, and reaction time, which are essential for safe driving.
- Remind your teen that driving under the influence is illegal, with some states enforcing zero-tolerance policies for recent marijuana use.
- Talk about making responsible decisions to avoid driving or riding with someone impaired by marijuana.
- Set a good example by staying drug-free when driving, as teens often mimic their parents’ behavior on the road.
Oklahoma car accident lawyers fighting for the injured
A crash can impact your life physically, emotionally, and financially. Medical expenses for treatment can add up quickly. However, recovering financial compensation can be a complicated process. Negligent drivers deny responsibility, and insurance companies use many tactics designed to pay you as little as possible.
If you were hurt in an Oklahoma crash, the car accident attorneys at Lawter & Associates, PLLC, can help. Our firm has been fighting for the injured for more than 40 years. Our lawyers build strong cases that hold negligent drivers accountable and fight to help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
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