The investigation into an automobile crash that shocked the small community of Tishomingo has resulted in nationwide recommendations about cannabis use and driving.
Two years ago, a car loaded with six teenagers pulled out in front of a tractor-trailer at one of Tishomingo's most notorious intersections .
The two collided, killing everyone inside the car. The truck driver wasn't hurt.
What did NTSB learn after the crash?
The National Transportation Safety Board's final report released this week identified multiple safety issues that likely contributed to the crash.
Investigators said the probable cause was the car's acceleration through an intersection without fully stopping — due to distraction from five others in the car, limited driving experience and likely impairment from cannabis.
The car was also overloaded with passengers. The type of license held by the 16-year-old driver only let them have one friend in the car without also having an adult in the front seat. The NTSB noted this rule prevents distracted driving and risk-taking.
More: Families of Tishomingo teens killed in 2022 crash file wrongful death lawsuits against ODOT
In its report, the NTSB highlighted research that shows teen drivers and their parents hold misconceptions about marijuana's legality and impairment. For example, one-third of teens thought that if cannabis is legal, it's also legal to drive while high.
NTSB recommends more education, warning labels
As an investigative body, NTSB has no authority to make changes in law. But it does make recommendations.
The NTSB wants Oklahoma to develop classroom curriculum that covers risks. It also wants the Oklahoma Driver Manual to reflect that it's illegal to drive with THC in your system.
More: How long does marijuana stay in your system? What weed-users should know
The NTSB is also calling on other states and boards of education to consider similar measures, and for states to require warning labels on marijuana projects.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: NTSB report on fatal Tishomingo crash warns about cannabis use while driving
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