Call to ban smoking while driving

[homesick_american 1]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6652787.stm

Road safety officers are calling on the government to ban smoking behind the wheel to cut the number of accidents.

Simon Ettinghausen, of the Local Authority Road Safety Officers' Association, said smoking was a dangerous distraction.

He said there were concerns the ban on smoking in public places from 1 July might tempt more drivers to light up.

But Forest, a pro-smoking group, opposed the idea while the Association of British Drivers called it absurd.

Representatives from the Local Authority Road Safety Officers' Association are to meet government officials in coming weeks to discuss the proposal.

The Department of Health said there were no plans to introduce a ban but if the association submitted a proposal, it would consider one.

Mr Ettinghausen said: "Anything you do in the car is a distraction, whether it's eating, drinking, using a mobile phone or smoking. But smoking in particular can be very dangerous."

"If you drop a lit cigarette, your concentration on driving will immediately vanish."

But Simon Clark, of Forest, called for evidence to prove it was dangerous and said there were already laws in place to deal with careless drivers.

'Ban it' mentality

He said: "Are we going to ban people retuning the radio or changing a CD?"

Hugh Bladon, of the Association of British Drivers (ABD), said: "We've got a 'ban it' mentality in this country.

"I personally don't think the ABD will want to know about banning smoking."

The proposal has been supported by campaign group Action on Smoking and Health.

The Highway Code lists smoking while driving as a distraction.

In less than seven weeks, smoking in all enclosed public places will be banned across England, bringing it in line with the rest of the UK.

[MaydayDas 1]

I agree smoking while driving to be illegal, I know lots of smokers will jump on my head

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

yep, me too -- mainly because so many smokers seem incapable of disposing of their cigarette without throwing it out on the window

[mRx 16]

People under the influence of cell phones are far greater threats than smokers, so Im wondering, does the UK ban the use of cellphones while driving?

[Oath 0]

yes it does.

In Scotland police have been known to fine people for even using hands free kits...

Edited May 14, 2007 by Oath

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

the combination of cell phone and smoking being particularly lethal!

(although I once saw someone driving using cell phone and putting on a wig on, I kid you not - far more dangerous!)

I never understand why people don't go hands-free on their cells while driving.

[homesick_american 1]

People under the influence of cell phones are far greater threats than smokers, so Im wondering, does the UK ban the use of cellphones while driving?

Yes...you can use hands-free sets though. The ban is pretty lightly enforced tho; I see people pootling round town every day with mobiles in their hands. I even see people texting while driving.

They've apparently increased the penalties recently for driving while using a hands-on mobile. I fully support this, but it does no good if it's not enforced.

As for smoking while driving...as a smoker I find it laughable that I'm incapable of concentrating while driving. I do throw lit cigarettes out the window because if I use the ashtray I have to take my eyes off the road. If it's really dry outside then I do not toss a lit butt out, and I always check to see if there's a cyclist, motorcyclist, or a convertible in the line of fire. As distractions go I'd rank it below screaming baby and loud music.

[mRx 16]

People under the influence of cell phones are far greater threats than smokers, so Im wondering, does the UK ban the use of cellphones while driving?

Yes...you can use hands-free sets though. The ban is pretty lightly enforced tho; I see people pootling round town every day with mobiles in their hands. I even see people texting while driving.

They've apparently increased the penalties recently for driving while using a hands-on mobile. I fully support this, but it does no good if it's not enforced.

As for smoking while driving...as a smoker I find it laughable that I'm incapable of concentrating while driving. I do throw lit cigarettes out the window because if I use the ashtray I have to take my eyes off the road. If it's really dry outside then I do not toss a lit butt out, and I always check to see if there's a cyclist, motorcyclist, or a convertible in the line of fire. As distractions go I'd rank it below screaming baby and loud music.

Plus, when does an experienced smoker ever drop a lit cigarette in the car? I smoked for 4 years, and never dropped a lit smoke on myself while driving.

I also see way too many people texting while driving. Dont you wish you could just reach out and slap someone? :sigh: If only my arms were longer.

[Fandango 1,440]

Next they'll ban singing along with the radio, or talking to your passengers.

Anyone from the UK remember that lady who was fined while eating an apple?

[homesick_american 1]

Plus, when does an experienced smoker ever drop a lit cigarette in the car? I smoked for 4 years, and never dropped a lit smoke on myself while driving.

I also see way too many people texting while driving. Dont you wish you could just reach out and slap someone? :sigh: If only my arms were longer.

I've never dropped a lit cigarette in the car either. I suppose there's a first time for everything, but people eat and drink while driving; what if you dropped a hot coffee on your lap, or a bottle of water? Most people would be distracted by that. What if a kid projectile-vomited and got it on the inside of the windshield? Why, you'd be unable to see! What about when you've got two kids in the back and they're playing the whole "MOM HE'S LOOKING AT ME/MOM SHE'S GOT HER FOOT ON MY SIDE" game? When you turn around to roar at them or slap them, you're not 100% focused on driving.

I don't want to slap the texters, but I do make a silent wish for a cop to pull them over and bust their azzes.

[mRx 16]

Eating while driving is almost as dangerous as texting, and far more dangerous than smoking. I was trying to eat a Double Whopper a while back, and I damn near crashed into a divider.

[Sinergy 3]

I smoke while driving and have never dropped a ciggie. I can drive with 2 hands and have a ciggie. how many ppl can drive and hold a cell phone to their ear without a bluetooth?

Most ppl ready to ban smoking while driving are just anti-smoking anyway, so this does not surprise me nor will it keep me from smoking in the car I paid for and drive. While most accidents are caused by ppl reading while driving, talking on their retard cell phones while driving (not anit-cell, i have one, just dont drive and use it at the same time), and putting on makeup while driving cause WAY MORE accidents than ppl who smoke and drive, the ban should be rethought over one of those other things.

[homesick_american 1]

Next they'll ban singing along with the radio, or talking to your passengers.

Anyone from the UK remember that lady who was fined while eating an apple?

Vaguely...

[broma25 2]

I was waiting for this to happen. It has always amazed me why in the UK you are not allowed to drink a coffee, eat a sandwich or use your cell phone (all of which I agree with), but you are allowed to smoke.

I was a smoker and have successfully driven and smoked for many years, however I do see the dangers. I have to admit though although I have never dropped a cigarette, I have had one fly back in the window onto the back seat and have also had the end fall off (no damage caused though, except to the heart...lol).

As to whether it should be banned or not.....I sit on the fence on this one. On the one hand yes I think it should be, then on the other I know what its like not being able to smoke in buildings etc and sometimes you can't wait to get back in the car for a smoke. Its almost like Big Brother wants to control everything you do!!

I certainly think that those who are putting on make up, reading newspapers are more likely to cause an accident than a smoker.

[homesick_american 1]

As to whether it should be banned or not.....I sit on the fence on this one. On the one hand yes I think it should be, then on the other I know what its like not being able to smoke in buildings etc and sometimes you can't wait to get back in the car for a smoke. Its almost like Big Brother wants to control everything you do!!

That's what bothers me about it. They'd use road cameras to enforce it too, and once you know where the cameras are you can just put your hand in the car and the cigarette isn't visible...hence it's very hard to enforce it, and I don't think the cops will come rushing out if you call 999 and report a case of smoking whilst driving.

I certainly think that those who are putting on make up, reading newspapers are more likely to cause an accident than a smoker.

Agreed, though I think people going 90mph and weaving in and out of lanes on the motorway are more dangerous than anyone. Especially if they're drunk.