LAS VEGAS - For the first time in 30 years, more teenagers think there's nothing risky about driving while high.
"A lot of my friends, they're like, ‘Oh, we went to a party. I drove home high. It wasn't that bad. I didn't die,'" said teen Taylor Ferrell. "I don't see why people make such a big deal out of it, even though it's like really dangerous."
"I've heard people talk about it when they go to parties," teen Delisha Rubio said. "'Oh, I've done that. Oh, I've gone behind the wheel high.' I don't think it's a good idea."
A study by Students Against Destructive Decisions and Liberty Mutual says marijuana use is on the rise among teens. Nineteen percent of teen drivers report they have driven under the influence of marijuana.
Erin Breen with UNLV's Safe Community Partnership is disturbed by the latest findings that also reveal many teens don't consider marijuana use a distraction to their driving.
"I thought we had gotten smarter than that," Breen said. "We need to not be complacent and think that kids are getting the message. I think adults are getting the message pretty well, but obviously kids are not."
Breen says 16 and 17-year-old drivers in Nevada are faring better than their counterparts in most other states. Nevada experienced zero fatalities among that age group last year. For older teens, however, the statistics change.
"When you look at the 18, 19 and 20-year-olds, especially 20-year-olds, we see that number skyrocket," Breen said.
Some teens, however, know the difference between right and wrong.
"They shouldn't do that, because I think they're dumb," teen Agustina Garcia said. "You don't want to risk someone's life or your own. They should think about it if they do that."
"I don't think it's smart," added Ferrell. "I'm not going to say I'm perfect, but I've never done it before. People, they just make bad decisions."
The study also found 13 percent of teens surveyed reported driving after drinking.
