DETROIT (AP) — The tragic accident that claimed the lives of six high school girls in Oklahoma two years ago due to a collision involving a Chevrolet Spark hatchback and a gravel-hauling semi has prompted the Chairwoman of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, Jennifer Homendy, to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana, particularly among teenagers. The NTSB’s final report on the March 22, 2022 crash in Tishomingo revealed that the 16-year-old driver, impaired by recent marijuana use and distracted by five teenage passengers, ran a stop sign after slowing down for an intersection.
Homendy stressed that the issue of cannabis impairment is not exclusive to teens and pointed out that with the legalization of recreational marijuana in more states, both teens and adults tend to underestimate the risks associated with driving under the influence of marijuana.
The NTSB report highlighted the negative effects of marijuana on driving abilities, including decreased motor coordination, slowed reaction time, and impaired judgment of time and distance.
While recreational marijuana is legal in 24 states plus Washington, D.C., and permitted for medical purposes in most states including Oklahoma, driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal nationwide.
The NTSB issued a safety alert urging parents to educate young drivers on the impairing effects of marijuana and the importance of making responsible choices to avoid driving while impaired or being a passenger with an impaired driver.
Homendy emphasized the need for states to prioritize traffic safety measures in conjunction with marijuana legalization, including collecting data on how the legalization has impacted traffic safety and enforcing laws against driving under the influence of cannabis.
A study conducted in Washington state post-legalization of recreational marijuana revealed an increase in drivers involved in fatal crashes testing positive for marijuana.
The NTSB’s report detailed the circumstances of the Tishomingo crash where six high school girls were traveling in a car meant for four, resulting in a fatal collision with a gravel truck due to the driver’s impaired state and failure to adhere to road signs.
Urging for educational initiatives, the NTSB recommended the development of drug and alcohol abuse curriculums in local school districts to educate students on the risks of driving under the influence of cannabis, with only Massachusetts and Rhode Island currently having such requirements.
Furthermore, the NTSB called for various organizations to inform their members about the Tishomingo crash and advocate for inclusion of cannabis-related information in school and driver education programs.
The Governors Highway Safety Association emphasized the increasing concern of cannabis-impaired driving and the critical need to educate youth about the risks associated with driving under the influence of marijuana.
In conclusion, Homendy stressed the importance of early and effective communication to youngsters about the impairing effects of marijuana on driving, underscoring the risks it poses to both themselves and others on the road.
