A tragedy in Tishomingo in 2022 leads to a security alert from federal investigators

TISHOMINGO, Okla. (KFOR) – The National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) issued a safety alert this week urging parents to talk to their teens about marijuana use.

In 2022, the town of Tishomingo was devastated when six high school students died during their lunch break when a semi-trailer truck rammed the car they were in.

In a final report on the accident, NTSB investigators stated that they believe the 16-year-old driver briefly braked at a stop sign before accelerating again and driving off in front of an oncoming semi-trailer truck.

Officials believe the teenager was likely impaired by recent marijuana use and was also distracted by fellow passengers.

According to the NTSB, the accident shows that parents need to talk to their young drivers about the dangers of marijuana use.

The agency also points to studies in Washington state that found that more drivers involved in fatal crashes tested positive for marijuana after it was legalized in the state.