Teenage marijuana use and its implications for driving safety have been thrust into the spotlight once again following a tragic crash in Oklahoma two years ago. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently released its final report on the collision between a small Chevrolet Spark and a gravel-hauling semi-truck, which claimed the lives of six high school girls. According to the NTSB, the crash was caused by the 16-year-old driver’s impairment from recent marijuana use and distraction from having five teenage passengers in the car. This incident has prompted NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy to call on parents to warn teenagers about the risks of driving under the influence of marijuana.
Homendy’s concern goes beyond just teenagers, as she highlights that the misconception that marijuana is safe and legal to drive under remains prevalent among teens and adults alike. With the legalization of recreational marijuana in many states, there is a growing need to address the potential dangers of impaired driving under its influence. Studies cited by the NTSB show that marijuana can significantly impact motor coordination, reaction time, and judgment of time and distance – all vital functions for safe driving.
Currently, recreational marijuana use is legal in 24 states and Washington, D.C., for individuals aged 21 and older. While Oklahoma does not allow recreational use, medical use is permitted. It is important to note that driving while impaired by marijuana is illegal in all states and Washington, D.C.
The NTSB plays an investigative role in transportation-related crashes but lacks regulatory power. However, it has issued a safety alert urging parents to engage in conversations with young drivers about the impairing effects of marijuana on driving and guide them in making responsible choices. Homendy emphasizes that states that have legalized marijuana need to do more to educate the public about the legal consequences of driving under its influence.
Furthermore, Homendy emphasizes the need for states to collect more data on the impact of marijuana legalization on traffic safety and increase enforcement of impaired driving laws related to cannabis. She suggests that effective enforcement can serve as a deterrent to impaired driving.
To support their claims, the NTSB references a study conducted in Washington state, which found that the number of drivers involved in fatal crashes testing positive for marijuana increased after recreational marijuana was legalized.
The NTSB report also sheds light on the specific incident in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. The driver, carrying more passengers than her car was designed for, failed to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, accelerating and turning left in front of a gravel truck. The truck driver’s attempts to avoid the collision were in vain, resulting in a devastating impact. All six teens in the car lost their lives due to multiple blunt force injuries.
Tests conducted on the driver’s blood revealed a high concentration of THC, the main chemical component of marijuana. Such levels of THC indicate acute impairing effects, further solidifying the NTSB’s assertion that marijuana impairment played a significant role in the crash.
Additionally, evidence of marijuana use was found at the scene, including vaping mouthpieces and cannabis buds in the car. For this reason, the NTSB highlighted the importance of developing a drug and alcohol abuse curriculum for local school districts in Oklahoma to educate students about the risks of cannabis-impaired driving. Currently, only Massachusetts and Rhode Island have implemented such requirements.
The NTSB is also calling on various organizations, including the Governors Highway Safety Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the National Association of State Boards of Education, to raise awareness about the Tishomingo crash and advocate for the inclusion of cannabis information in school and driver education coursework.
In summary, the tragic crash in Oklahoma has brought attention to the risks of driving under the influence of marijuana, particularly among teenagers. The NTSB’s report highlights the need for effective education, data collection, and enforcement to address this growing safety concern. Clear communication about the impairing effects of marijuana is crucial to ensure the safety of young drivers and others on the road.
