RE: Smoke and drive?
Friday 28th September 2007
Whilst many smokers would consider their car as the last refuge from the ban that has prevented them from lighting up in public they can now be prosecuted for driving without due care and attention.
Under the new Highway Code, which comes into force today, having a cigarette while driving is a breach of the rules of the road and classed as a "distraction".
It means that if a driver crashes his or her car while smoking they could be charged with driving without due care and attention. That could mean a fine of up to £2,500, three to nine penalty points or even a ban.
The move is technically regarded as "best practice" but failing to observe the advice does leave motorists vulnerable to prosecution.
It is one of 29 extra rules issued by the Department for Transport in the Highway Code, which is now 135 pages long — 42 more than the previous version brought out in 1999.
Other additions include drivers being advised to stop if they are dazzled by the sun.
More here
Smoke And Drive?
Then you are breaking the rules of road!
Under the new Highway Code, which comes into force today, having a cigarette while driving is a breach of the rules of the road and classed as a "distraction".
It means that if a driver crashes his or her car while smoking they could be charged with driving without due care and attention. That could mean a fine of up to £2,500, three to nine penalty points or even a ban.
The move is technically regarded as "best practice" but failing to observe the advice does leave motorists vulnerable to prosecution.
It is one of 29 extra rules issued by the Department for Transport in the Highway Code, which is now 135 pages long — 42 more than the previous version brought out in 1999.
Other additions include drivers being advised to stop if they are dazzled by the sun.
More here
Discussion
Brilliant, so if I'm smoking a fag and someone crashes into me I run the risk of being prosectuted? I'm not happy about this, I do occasionally if I feel like it drive a bit faster than I should but other than that I don't do much wrong. I smoke roll-ups which go out if not puffed so when I have dropped it I don't need to worry about it burning anything.
Why do people think smoking is a human right? 
You're not allowed to eat, be on the phone, etc, what's the difference?
It's like some people who argue "I must smoke in a pub", or "This is against my rights.."
When you're driving, you concentrate on the road at all times. If you want a fag break, stop for 10 minutes and have a break. Big deal, it's your choice to smoke in the first place.
Thought I would add, it's actually pleasant going down the pub/bar now without stinking of smoke, getting up in the morning and not coughing your guts out.
You're not allowed to eat, be on the phone, etc, what's the difference?
It's like some people who argue "I must smoke in a pub", or "This is against my rights.."
When you're driving, you concentrate on the road at all times. If you want a fag break, stop for 10 minutes and have a break. Big deal, it's your choice to smoke in the first place.
Thought I would add, it's actually pleasant going down the pub/bar now without stinking of smoke, getting up in the morning and not coughing your guts out.
stuartbuckell said:
Why do people think smoking is a human right?
You're not allowed to eat, be on the phone, etc, what's the difference?
It's like some people who argue "I must smoke in a pub", or "This is against my rights.."
When you're driving, you concentrate on the road at all times. If you want a fag break, stop for 10 minutes and have a break. Big deal, it's your choice to smoke in the first place.
Thought I would add, it's actually pleasant going down the pub/bar now without stinking of smoke, getting up in the morning and not coughing your guts out.
Seconded....You're not allowed to eat, be on the phone, etc, what's the difference?
It's like some people who argue "I must smoke in a pub", or "This is against my rights.."
When you're driving, you concentrate on the road at all times. If you want a fag break, stop for 10 minutes and have a break. Big deal, it's your choice to smoke in the first place.
Thought I would add, it's actually pleasant going down the pub/bar now without stinking of smoke, getting up in the morning and not coughing your guts out.
I'm more worried about the dazzled by the sun rule! Shurly thats covered by visibility rules....e.g. if you cant see because of conditions slow down, and pull off the road and stop if you need to.
The Gov is carrying on making specific rules for things that are already covered by other rules....what a bunch of winkers.
The Gov is carrying on making specific rules for things that are already covered by other rules....what a bunch of winkers.
stuartbuckell said:
Why do people think smoking is a human right?
You're not allowed to eat, be on the phone, etc, what's the difference?
It's like some people who argue "I must smoke in a pub", or "This is against my rights.."
When you're driving, you concentrate on the road at all times. If you want a fag break, stop for 10 minutes and have a break. Big deal, it's your choice to smoke in the first place.
Thought I would add, it's actually pleasant going down the pub/bar now without stinking of smoke, getting up in the morning and not coughing your guts out.
What makes it dangerous, taking a hand off the wheel for a second or two ? So where do you draw the line ? Changing a CD, tuning the radio, changing gear ?? Just because you do not approve of smoking, why should people not be allowed to do it in their own car ?You're not allowed to eat, be on the phone, etc, what's the difference?
It's like some people who argue "I must smoke in a pub", or "This is against my rights.."
When you're driving, you concentrate on the road at all times. If you want a fag break, stop for 10 minutes and have a break. Big deal, it's your choice to smoke in the first place.
Thought I would add, it's actually pleasant going down the pub/bar now without stinking of smoke, getting up in the morning and not coughing your guts out.
stuartbuckell said:
Thought I would add, it's actually pleasant going down the pub/bar now without stinking of smoke, getting up in the morning and not coughing your guts out.
Outstanding demonstration of hysterical overstatement 
I smoked for 20 years and i never "coughed my guts out"
stuartbuckell said:
Why do people think smoking is a human right?
You're not allowed to eat, be on the phone, etc, what's the difference?
It's like some people who argue "I must smoke in a pub", or "This is against my rights.."
When you're driving, you concentrate on the road at all times. If you want a fag break, stop for 10 minutes and have a break. Big deal, it's your choice to smoke in the first place.
Thought I would add, it's actually pleasant going down the pub/bar now without stinking of smoke, getting up in the morning and not coughing your guts out.
Why do people think they can dictate other people's lives the whole time? It's my car I choose to smoke in it, so what. It says in my mouth the whole time except for when the ash needs to be flicked & doesn't effect my driving at all.You're not allowed to eat, be on the phone, etc, what's the difference?
It's like some people who argue "I must smoke in a pub", or "This is against my rights.."
When you're driving, you concentrate on the road at all times. If you want a fag break, stop for 10 minutes and have a break. Big deal, it's your choice to smoke in the first place.
Thought I would add, it's actually pleasant going down the pub/bar now without stinking of smoke, getting up in the morning and not coughing your guts out.
I understand the pub thing to an extent but if you want a ride in my car you'll get smokey.
Munter said:
I'm more worried about the dazzled by the sun rule! Shurly thats covered by visibility rules....e.g. if you cant see because of conditions slow down, and pull off the road and stop if you need to.
The Gov is carrying on making specific rules for things that are already covered by other rules....what a bunch of winkers.
Advised to stop (rather than slow down) if dazzled by the sun? Are they mad? I'm going home from work, crest the brow of a hill and am dazzled by the low evening sun. Am I then to stop and wait an hour for my super soaraway sun to set?The Gov is carrying on making specific rules for things that are already covered by other rules....what a bunch of winkers.
As a non-smoker I realy don't have an issue with smoking behind the wheel being banned - it makes sense when you're not allowed to use a phone etc.
However, I do object to the namby-pamby way the isue is being dealt with. Is it banned or not? Why say you'll be prosecuted if you crash while smoking, but not actually ban it? Surely that's closing the door after the horse has bolted?
Absolute incompetence once again.
However, I do object to the namby-pamby way the isue is being dealt with. Is it banned or not? Why say you'll be prosecuted if you crash while smoking, but not actually ban it? Surely that's closing the door after the horse has bolted?
Absolute incompetence once again.
No sympathy for smokers themselves - lighting fires in cars is not a good idea to start with, however I don't like the continual introduction of petty laws like this when they ignore the more important issues.
I have the feeling its part of the Govt. initiative to make motoring a less relaxed and personal environment to help public transport compete. You cant smoke on public transport so they dont want people to smoke in their cars. If they continually kick motorists with high fuel prices, punitive speeding fines and finally take away the motorists freedom in what used to be their personal space, people will view public transport as a comparable alternative.
I have the feeling its part of the Govt. initiative to make motoring a less relaxed and personal environment to help public transport compete. You cant smoke on public transport so they dont want people to smoke in their cars. If they continually kick motorists with high fuel prices, punitive speeding fines and finally take away the motorists freedom in what used to be their personal space, people will view public transport as a comparable alternative.
MK4 Slowride said:
Why do people think they can dictate other people's lives the whole time? It's my car I choose to smoke in it, so what. It stays in my mouth the whole time except for when the ash needs to be flicked & doesn't effect my driving at all.
I understand the pub thing to an extent but if you want a ride in my car you'll get smokey.
I think you've just spelt out the problem quite clearly. It's just that one time it distracts you when you need to be paying attention to the road.I understand the pub thing to an extent but if you want a ride in my car you'll get smokey.
Just like the one time the person on his mobile phone drops their phone.....
I also forgot to add, then the hot burning ash falls on your trousers and you lose total focus on your driving as your trousers are burning up. You can't deny it happens because it does. I've seen so many cars with hole in the seats from exactly this reason...
Edited by clemens on Friday 28th September 10:21
clemens said:
MK4 Slowride said:
Why do people think they can dictate other people's lives the whole time? It's my car I choose to smoke in it, so what. It says in my mouth the whole time except for when the ash needs to be flicked & doesn't effect my driving at all.
I understand the pub thing to an extent but if you want a ride in my car you'll get smokey.
I think you've just spelt out the problem quite clearly. It's just that one time it distracts you when you need to be paying attention to the road.I understand the pub thing to an extent but if you want a ride in my car you'll get smokey.
Just like the one time the person on his mobile phone drops their phone.....
It's absolutely bo
ocks. If you have never smoked, you simply cannot comment as you haven't got a clue what you are talking about, period. If you are an ex-smoker you are at least qualified but usually have the holier-than-thou attitude which means you'll say anything against smoking.There are 101 distractions that are far worse in the car - or in fact outside the car. I reckon more crashes will have been caused by a pretty lady in a short skirt - so obviously we should ban short skirt, or doesn't that fit so well?
The Gov't can frankly
off. Absolutely sick and tired of their constant meddling.clemens said:
MK4 Slowride said:
Why do people think they can dictate other people's lives the whole time? It's my car I choose to smoke in it, so what. It stays in my mouth the whole time except for when the ash needs to be flicked & doesn't effect my driving at all.
I understand the pub thing to an extent but if you want a ride in my car you'll get smokey.
I think you've just spelt out the problem quite clearly. It's just that one time it distracts you when you need to be paying attention to the road.I understand the pub thing to an extent but if you want a ride in my car you'll get smokey.
Just like the one time the person on his mobile phone drops their phone.....
I also forgot to add, then the hot burning ash falls on your trousers and you lose total focus on your driving as your trousers are burning up. You can't deny it happens because it does. I've seen so many cars with hole in the seats from exactly this reason...
Edited by clemens on Friday 28th September 10:21
Slightly o/t, do you creep above the speed limit ever?
joetait said:
No sympathy for smokers themselves - lighting fires in cars is not a good idea to start with, however I don't like the continual introduction of petty laws like this when they ignore the more important issues.
But that's the main problem with this - it's not actually a law. It's a 'rule' in the Highway Code, but it is not a law.MK4 Slowride said:
Absolute nonsense, have you ever smoked, have you ever smoked in a car? I think far too far ahead to be caught out by something as inconsiquential as taking a fag out my mouth to dispose or maintain it.
You might think far enough ahead but you forget, these laws are to cater for the lowest common denominator. I've seen people who can't even think ahead of their own bonnetGassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff