A 2022 tragedy in Tishomingo leads to safety alert from federal investigators

TISHOMINGO, Okla. (KFOR) — The National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) put out a safety alert this week urging parents to talk with teens about marijuana use.

In 2022, the town of Tishomingo was devastated when six high school students died while on their lunch break when a semi hit the car they were in.

In a final report on the crash, NTSB investigators say they believe the 16-year-old driver slowed down briefly at a stop sign before accelerating and then pulling out in front of an oncoming semi.

Officials say the teen was likely impaired from recent marijuana use and also distracted by passengers.

The NTSB says the crash highlights the need for parents to talk to their young drivers about the dangers of marijuana use.

The agency also points to research in Washington State, which found more drivers involved in deadly crashes tested positive for marijuana after it was legalized in the state.