No Smoking In Cars - argument version

[Unique]

they did say that they would like a ban on smoking at homes with kids, but it's unenforceable, thus the least they could do is ban it in cars where it would be more visable if someone broke the law

also, cars are a lot smaller than most homes, thus smoking is confined to a much smaller area. imagine the smoke from two adults in the front seat with the windows closed because it's winter, and the impact that could have to a young kid in the back

i think many people would like to ban smoking, after all the majority of people don't smoke, yet a minority of people smoking near non smokers can have an adverse effect, but the logistics of such an immediate ban would be difficult to implement

if there are continued restrictions on smoking, such as advertising ban, restrictions on sales (ie. no point of sale advertising, fags kept under counter), public smoking ban, it can only serve to reduce smoking overall, and help eliminate future generations from starting to smoke, so effectively smoking may die out over time. it's a horrible addiction that kills people and makes others feel uncomfortable or ill, even if they don't smoke themselves, so if a stop can be put on new smokers, whilst existing smokers can feed the addition in private in their own homes without bothering other people, both sides win

[Phage]

Typical 'Think of the Children' argument.
Another small bite out of your liberty for no proven gain. You'd do better to ban all cars, smoking, drinking, and any other risk factor you can name. Then we'll all be immortal.

[TooNice]

What's wrong with thinking about those who do not have a choice? If I don't want to sit in a car with a smoker, I can arrange my own transportation. Children do not have luxury. Babies do not have that luxury of choice while they are in their mother's womb. Of course, we can't control everything in life, but what's wrong with controlling what we can and be considerate of those who can't?

[KidChameleon]

What has the govt got to do with this?

That's my point. The joys of internet sarcasm.

"Some people with strong opinions not connected to the government want something banned, therefore I hate the government."


"The old lady up the road thinks cars louder than 30dB should be banned. Damn this government for telling me what to do."

[Brucelles]

I detest smoking (I am an ex-smoker and we are notoriously hypocritcal about it) but in your own car, with no-one else in it? I cannot see that being bad for anyone except yourself.

Of course most kids hate being in a car with a smoker, so they are a real PITA and tend to discourage smoking anyway.

Besides, I bought my wife's previous Merc from a smoker and got a nice discount (about 3,500 Euros) because of the smell, which vanished after a few months of keeping some smell-suck stuff in the back. Actually, even the windscreen had a yellow tint from the layer of tar, but that came off with a wipe of nail polish remover.

[Mblaster]

I don't really see why your angered by this. I mean mobile phone use in cars was banned because your concentration was impaired. The same can be said when you lit a cigarette and while you smoke it. You also have one hand off the steering wheel when lighting it and when smoking.

I'm pretty sure there's already a law which covers all the eating/drinking/smoking/putting on make up while driving, something like "Driving without due care and attention". But it has the clause that it must be having a noticeable negative effect on your driving, instead of an outright ban like with mobile phones.

[usxhe190]

I rather they use the money spent on drafting legislation, implementation and enforcement of this ban with better tests for driving so that we get better drivers on average.

[PeteSmith]

So are they going to ban smoking in houses next????

Would not surprise me in the slightest, in fact i'm surprised it hasn't already been suggested.

This pains me too, haven't we got more important issues to debate? Honestly they may as well suggest hanging smokers by their neck until they are dead and have done with. I quit years ago and it still annoys me when i see the constant attack on smokers. We have already put them out into the cold, segregated them from the rest of society.

If they want to smoke in their own car who are we to stop them, and what ground does anyone have to stipulate otherwise.

As for safety, well personally i prefer smokers to have a smoke while driving, that way when they are late for work and stuck in temporary traffic lights or behind a tractor, cyclist or moron driver in rush hour with a two mile long queue behind them they remain in control, calm and don't plow head on into oncoming traffic or mount the curb and run over your kids on the way to school.

If safety is a cause for concern, or indeed plays any pivotal part in this debate, surely the use of CD players, Sat-Navs and hungry hippos should come 1st..

[kalniel]

If they want to smoke in their own car who are we to stop them, and what ground does anyone have to stipulate otherwise.

On the grounds that they're harming people who don't have a choice to avoid that harm. Smokers have always had the choice to make decisions that affect themselves, it's when they affect other people that recommendations have been made.

[PeteSmith]

On the grounds that they're harming people who don't have a choice to avoid that harm. Smokers have always had the choice to make decisions that affect themselves, it's when they affect other people that recommendations have been made.

Most people have a choice; they have a choice to walk away (or get out of the car in this particular case). If it's a child then okay, we need to ensure they are protected from 3rd party smoke. But a blanket ban on smoking in cars? No. It's a silly notion that holds no credit what so ever.

[Behemoth]

I have to say that I support a ban on smoking in cars, if you are driving. If you've got a lit fag in your hand, or are lighting one whilst driving, or worse rolling one when driving you don't have full control of the car.

Speaking as someone who has been rear ended by a driver who was more concerned about lighing one up than she was stopping for the traffic lights and smacking into my car she should have had the book thrown at her.

That said you could argue that your not in full control of the car if your changing station on the radio or turning the volume up/down but alot of modern cars come with those controls on the steering wheel now.

I've no issue with anyone smoking in their car when its stationary, just not your when driving thanks.

[AledJ]

As for safety, well personally i prefer smokers to have a smoke while driving, that way when they are late for work and stuck in temporary traffic lights or behind a tractor, cyclist or moron driver in rush hour with a two mile long queue behind them they remain in control, calm and don't plow head on into oncoming traffic or mount the curb and run over your kids on the way to school.

I don't understand this bit???? So we should let heroin user shoot up in the car so they don't get agitated or jumpy ?

If i'm stuck in traffic I mange to keep myself under control so why would a smoker be any different. Very flawed point tbh!

[kalniel]

Most people have a choice; they have a choice to walk away (or get out of the car in this particular case). If it's a child then okay, we need to ensure they are protected from 3rd party smoke. But a blanket ban on smoking in cars? No. It's a silly notion that holds no credit what so ever.

The recommendation was talking about children, yes.

[lodore]

they should first stop people from smoking in doorways...
I have never smoked and never intend to but we all know second hand smoke is a killer and thats why smoking in doorways should of been stopped at same time as the current smoking ban.

As to smoking in cars well if its your own car and only you are being harmed i see no problem with it.

i really dont know why people still smoke. it costs ton,it makes you smell,and you will have a shorter life. wow i can see why so many young people still start smoking haha.

[abaxas]

Just a thought.

Maybe we should ban cars in confined spaces? Eg multi sotry car parks, tunnels etc.

[Phage]

Just a thought.

Maybe we should ban cars in confined spaces? Eg multi sotry car parks, tunnels etc.

Buses too. Have you seen how much pollution they pump out ? They should be banned from public roads.