Federal, state, and local authorities are worried that the liberalization of marijuana laws across the country will have a negative effect on the nation’s young drivers. In particular, authorities worry that younger drivers are particularly susceptible to driving under the influence of marijuana, and becoming involved in serious car accidents as a result.
One study backing up the concern is a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which indicates that one out of eight high school seniors admits to having driven after smoking marijuana. Though this statistic does not necessarily indicate these teens’ likelihood of becoming involved in an automobile accident, the study does also indicate that one out of four fatal drugged driving accidents involves a driver under the age of 25.
In order to combat these sobering statistics parents should do more to not only inform their children of the risks involved with drug use, but particularly the risks involved with using drugs and then getting behind the wheel of a car. According to a Columbia University study, incidences of fatalities involving drugged driving accidents have risen over the past decade, showing that using drugs and then operating a motor vehicle is an extremely dangerous activity.
If you, or someone you know, have been injured or killed in a serious accident involving a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol, call the Henderson accident attorneys of Jolley Urga Woodbury & Little at (702) 699-7500 right away or contact us online, for a free consultation.
