The proposed smoking ban in cars - what do you think?

17/01/12

While now we’re all used to the smoking ban in pubs, clubs and restaurants, the proposal for banning smoking in cars is still a hot topic for many people. Smoking in a small enclosed space – like a car – can be incredibly harmful, and with many children or older people relying on relatives to drive them around, if the driver (or another passenger) is smoking, they are likely to be exposed to more toxins than in any other environment. But what are your thoughts on this proposal? Is it a step too far in the ‘nanny state’ or is it a good idea?

For obvious health benefits, banning smoking in cars can only be a good thing. But you’ve also got the horrible side effects of consistent smoking within your car. We always advise smokers to make sure the interior of their used car is fully cleaned and smelling spring fresh before putting it up for sale, as many non-smokers detest the aroma of stale smoke – and who can blame them? Car ashtrays are another side effect of smoking in cars: overflowing ashtrays are not a good look and add to the general clutter that inevitably ends up in your car. Many smokers will also not even use their ashtray, instead chucking their fag end out the window and littering the environment – and anyone who has smoked in a car will know the accidental ‘blowback’ of a cigarette stub missing the window and arriving on the back seat! The fire hazards present with smoking in cars could be greatly reduced by an overall ban, and even a partial ban would significantly reduce the risks.

But on the flip side, many people feel that banning smoking in cars on personal journeys is a hindrance to their personal freedom. After all, if you’re the only passenger, you are only responsible for your own health and well-being. Unlike driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving under the influence of nicotine won’t affect other drivers on the road – the only issue is the distraction of lighting up a cigarette (so if you are a smoker, do be careful!). In fact, you could argue that nicotine helps to calm road rage – so maybe they should invent a nicotine air freshener. Smoking in your car might also be one of the only places it’s safe to do so: if you have young children at home or are unable to smoke at work, the daily commute might be the only time you can have a cigarette in peace.

We’d like to hear your thoughts – why not let us know over on our Facebook page?