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Underestimating the Danger: NTSB Chief Warns Against Marijuana-Impaired Driving After Fatal Crash


In the wake of a tragic accident that claimed the lives of six teenagers, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a stark warning about the underestimated dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana. NTSB Chief Jennifer Homendy highlighted the growing issue, stressing that the problem extends beyond teenagers to include adults, especially as more states legalize recreational cannabis.


“There’s a perception that in states where it’s legal, it’s also safe and legal to drive impaired on marijuana,” Homendy explained. This misconception has been increasingly evident as cannabis legalization spreads, leading many to underestimate its impact on driving abilities. Homendy emphasized that marijuana impairs critical driving functions such as motor coordination, reaction time, and judgment of time and distance.


The incident that spurred the latest NTSB safety alert occurred in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Six high school girls, all packed into a car designed for four, collided with a gravel truck at an intersection. The driver, who failed to stop completely at a stop sign, had a THC concentration of 95.9 nanograms per milliliter in her blood—an indication of recent cannabis use. The crash report also found vaping devices and cannabis buds in the car.


Despite recreational marijuana being legal for those 21 and older in 24 states and Washington, D.C., driving under its influence remains illegal nationwide. Homendy pointed out that state laws on cannabis legalization have outpaced measures to address related traffic safety issues. “States are far ahead on legalizing it but very behind when it comes to traffic safety,” she noted.


The NTSB has called for more robust data collection on the effects of legalized marijuana on traffic safety and stricter enforcement of laws against impaired driving. A study in Washington state revealed a rise in fatal crashes involving drivers who tested positive for marijuana post-legalization, underscoring the urgency of this issue.


The NTSB’s report recommended that the Oklahoma State Department of Education develop a comprehensive drug and alcohol abuse curriculum that includes information on the risks of cannabis-impaired driving.


Currently, only Massachusetts and Rhode Island have such educational requirements. Additionally, the NTSB urged organizations like the Governors Highway Safety Association and the National Association of State Boards of Education to spread awareness about the Tishomingo crash and the need for cannabis education in schools and driver training programs.


Homendy stressed the importance of early and effective communication about the risks of marijuana-impaired driving. “We have to start communicating well ahead of time, to kids, that driving after using marijuana is impairing and risky,” she said. The NTSB’s safety alert encourages parents to discuss these dangers with young drivers to foster responsible decision-making.


As the conversation around cannabis legalization continues to evolve, so too must the efforts to ensure public safety on the roads. This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of impaired driving and the need for comprehensive education and enforcement to prevent future tragedies.


Is enough being done to educate the public about the dangers of marijuana-impaired driving?

  • Yes, current efforts are sufficient.

  • No, more education and enforcement are needed.

  • Unsure, need more information on current initiatives.



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