Does it seem like you are hearing about more and more teens driving while high on marijuana? The reality is that more teens are driving while impaired by marijuana and do not recognize it is a problem. According to a national study of 2,300 juniors and seniors in high school, completed by Students Against Destructive Decisions, there is a decrease amongst teenagers in the perception of harm of marijuana.
Many students know that drinking and driving is a problem and that alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to drive safely. However, these same students do not understand that marijuana also negatively affects their driving. This rising trend in driving while high on marijuana cannot be ignored. Drugged driving can result quickly in Georgia car accident deaths. For this reason among many others, parents must dialogue with their teens about marijuana use.
Perhaps you are a parent, teacher, or coach who has talked with a teen or group of teens about the dangers of drinking and driving. You probably are aware of how difficult it can be to talk with teens about serious issues, or to know whether your words are getting through. Regardless of whether the teen(s) respond with sighs or rolling his or her eyes, he or she likely is listening. It is important that parents have the ‘drugged driving’ discussion with their teens, even if you previously have had the ‘drunk driving’ discussion.
What Should Parents Say to Their Teens About Drugged Driving?
It is recommended that parents stick with the facts when talking with their teenager about marijuana use. Studies show that when parents get involved in the lives of their teens early on, marijuana use is reduced by 70 percent.
Seven facts to discuss include:
- Marijuana causes more auto accidents than any other drug besides alcohol.
- Driving after smoking marijuana slows a driver’s reaction times, causes dizziness, and increases the risk of a crash.
- Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal and warrants a DUI.
- A DUI related to alcohol or drugs means driving under the influence.
- Weekly marijuana use in teens doubles the risk of anxiety and depression.
- Many medical studies show a connection between teen mental disorders and marijuana use.
- Marijuana in the smoking form is harmful and unhealthy.
Parents do have an influence on helping to prevent teen marijuana use. Unfortunately, some teens may still drive drugged and cause an Atlanta auto accident. If you are a drugged driving accident victim in Georgia, please call a skilled Georgia DUI injury attorney to find out your rights. You may be entitled to seek damages, including punitive damages.
Call Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656 for a free consultation. We also can provide a complimentary copy of our book, I Was Hit by a Drunk Driver: What Do I Do Next? The Guide for Victims of Georgia Drunk Driving Accidents.