FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Teens on Pot Behind the Wheel Highlighted

Alert issued after fatal crash report points to the need for more education, prevention.

July 23, 2024
Teens on Pot Behind the Wheel Highlighted

The NTSB urges parents to educate their teens about the dangers of pot-impaired driving.

Credit:

Pexels/Garvin St. Villier

1 min to read


A photo of an unrecognizable Chevrolet sedan serves as a stark illustration of the potentially deadly effects of smoking pot and driving.

The image, which shows what little remains of the Spark, including deployed air bags, captures the severity of a crash that killed six teenagers in rural Oklahoma two years ago.

Ad Loading...

The National Transportation Safety Board used it in a safety alert it issued this week imploring parents to educate their teens on the risks of mixing marijuana and driving.

The alert followed the final NTSB report on the crash between the Spark and a tractor-trailer that determined the Spark’s 16-year-old driver turned into the path of the truck after failing to make a complete stop at a stop sign. The agency said the driver was likely impaired at the time from recent marijuana use. She and the five teen passengers were all killed.

Though multiple states have legalized recreational and/or medicinal marijuana use, it’s still illegal to use it and drive, NTSB pointed out.

“We’re already behind when it comes to traffic safety, and marijuana-impaired driving is exacerbating the crisis,” said NTSB Chairperson Jennifer Homendy in the alert. “States have to do a better job of protecting road users from impaired drivers, regardless of the substance or its legality.”

LEARN MORE: Rural, Younger Travelers Eschew Seat Belts More

 

 

 

 

 

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today

More Industry

road winding through redwood trees, California EV Market Cools, F&I and Showroom logo
Industryby Lauren LawrenceApril 22, 2026

California Holds EV Lead Despite Annual Decline

At nearly 14%, California had the lowest zero-emission vehicle market share in the first quarter since the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

Read More →
Portrait of Todd Sands with Brown & Brown branding, announcing his appointment as chief revenue officer and vice president of alternative markets.
Industryby StaffApril 20, 2026

Brown & Brown Appoints Executive

The new chief revenue officer joins the company from one of its partner firms and is an industry thought leader in participation programs.

Read More →
Hyundai Motor Group Tech Talent Forum 2026 September 17-18 San Jose, California. background of starry night
Industryby Lauren LawrenceApril 20, 2026

Hyundai Hosts Tech Talent Forum

Technology leaders from Hyundai Motor Group will have open discussions at the inaugural HMG Tech Talent Forum on topics ranging from autonomous driving to 'smart' manufacturing.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Up-close photo of car battery
Industryby Hannah MitchellApril 13, 2026

Automaker Increases Parts Recycling

Stellantis is adding a third end-of-life vehicle dismantling facility to feed its growing reuse business sparked in large part by autos’ growing lifespans.

Read More →
electric vehicle next to an urban charging station. EV Demand Diverges. F&I and Showroom logo
Industryby Lauren LawrenceApril 10, 2026

EV Interest Varies Regionally

U.S. consumer interest in electric vehicles lags behind other countries despite the rising gas prices caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Read More →
Photo of the rear of a Mercedes GLC 400 electric SUV with a skyline in the background
Industryby Hannah MitchellApril 10, 2026

Brands Weighed on Projected Recalls

Research reveals the brands and models most likely to have higher recall rates over their lifetimes. While some brands rank high, addressing safety issues can be a selling point.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
car outline on top of a data background
Industryby Lauren LawrenceApril 7, 2026

Dealers Seek Actionable AI

Dealers are facing growing frustrations with current generic artificial intelligence tools, according to a survey by Lotlinx, which found they want a solution that understands their inventories.

Read More →
black background with orange text saying Alec Hagey Toyota Financial Services President and CEO effective April 6 with picture of Alec Hagey
Industryby Lauren LawrenceApril 6, 2026

Toyota Financial Services President Replaced

Scott Cooke has served in various roles with Toyota Financial Services for over 20 years, including president and CEO, which he retires from on June 30.

Read More →
photo of Volkswagen vehicle steering wheel and interior
Industryby Hannah MitchellApril 1, 2026

One of Earliest U.S. Auto Dealers Exits

The sale of two Minnesota franchises ends a rare multigenerational business while adding to one of the Midwest’s biggest auto groups.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
2026 NADA Chairman Rob Cochran and outgoing chairman Thomas Castriota
Digitalby Hannah MitchellApril 1, 2026

New at the Wheel

2026 NADA Chairman Rob Cochran knows a thing or two about leadership after decades in the business. He brings an emphasis on stewardship to his new role at the head of the country’s major auto retail trade group.

Read More →