New Study Ties Marijuana to 40% of Fatal Car Crashes — ACPeds Issues Fresh Warning on the Drug’s Dangers

For Immediate Release
October 08, 2025
For More Information Contact:
connect@acpeds.org

New Study Ties Marijuana to 40% of Fatal Car Crashes — ACPeds Issues Fresh Warning on the Drug’s Dangers

Atlanta, GA — Today, the American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) released an updated position paper, “Marijuana Use: Detrimental to Youth,” summarizing the latest scientific literature on the serious mental, physical, and developmental harms associated with cannabis use.

This comes on the heels of an American College of Surgeons (ACS) report revealing that over 40% of deceased drivers in motor vehicle crashes over the past six years tested positive for THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana. This alarming statistic underscores a persistent and growing public health crisis. While this study does not specifically indicate the ages of the drivers, previous evidence shows that young adults are disproportionately prone to risky or impaired driving behaviors, particularly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

ACPeds continues to express deep concern over the impact of marijuana use, particularly among young adults. Dr. Jill Simons, Executive Director of ACPeds released the following statement:

“The numbers from the ACS report are devastating. To think that many of these incidents could have been prevented with stricter limits on marijuana and greater caution against its use by medical providers is deeply troubling. Our recently updated paper highlights ways in which the effects of marijuana are more pronounced with early use by adolescents. Among the many adverse effects of marijuana use–including addiction, poor school performance, and an increased risk of mental illness–are impaired driving safety and reduced alertness. We conclude that pediatricians play an important role in counseling families about these risks and in working with the press and legislators to counter the widespread misperceptions surrounding marijuana.”

To arrange an interview with Dr. Jill Simons or authors of this paper please contact connect@acpeds.org.