Ban smoking in cars,says British Medical Association.

[Rifleman]

Its NOT the government that has come up with this. Its the health people.

[RatCav]

That maybe, but I am not convinced myself ... besides the Government would have to make the final decision and take into account the points I raised.

[furball]

If history has taught us anything it's that prohibition doesn't work. You can't get addicts to stop being addicted just by making the thing they are addicted to illegal.

This is just another example of the BMA being a bunch of ignorant tossers saying something because they can. These are the same people who have been blocking treatments and drugs that can make a big difference to the treatment of people for years just because they think they know better (and yes, I know they're doctors and professors, but then so are the likes of Richard Dawkins and Brian Cox and it doesn't stop either of them being arrogant or ignorant when the mood takes them).

The distraction factor is irrelevant. There are plenty of other distractions while driving and removing one of the more minor ones isn't going to make a blind bit of difference to road safety.

[adyclemo]

I agree with it im affraid. Yes im a non-smoker and always have been. Cars have ash trys of which i would say over half of drivers that smoke at the wheel dont use and put it out the window causing undue litter, its a distraction as most people dont have thier ciggies and lighter to hand so are fumbling around in bags/door pockets/coat pockets etc trying to find them. Drop it and your panicing to find it so it dont burn a hole or set something on fire (drop a mobile phone for instance and it can be left). Also there is nothing worse for me than sat behind the car infront whos occupants are smoking and smelling it in your own car even with windows up and heater blower off, or worse still sat in the car while other passengers are smoking made worse as its such a small area.

I know there other things that can be seen as distractions such as holding a conversation with your passengers, the cars stereo equipment, looking at nice cars passing the opposite way or even a good looking gal (or guy). I also think women (or guys if your that way inclined) should be made to either a) leave makeup etc at home or b) make it enforcable for these things to be in the boot out of temptations way, the mirrors are there for you to see all round you not for your vanity.

[Trotter]

Children? Fair do's, no smoking in the car when they are present!

Adults? My car, My rules! If you've got a problem with that? Walk!

Yet another instance of people ramming their beliefs down other peoples throats!
Whatever happened to the freedom of choice our parents/Grandparents fought to protect?

Too many busy bodies in this world!

I let them live their lives the way they choose.
All I ask is that they let me stuff up my life if I so choose!!!

(rant over)

[Bassjocky]

I do not smoke in none smokers cars or homes, i respect their choice not to smoke. It is my choice to smoke, it is my health apparently, at risk so respect my choice.
I am a smoker from the time when it was considered odd if you didn't smoke. Footballers smoke, athletes smoke, even now MP's smoke in the Commons. I know many people that smoked all their lives, un tipped cigarettes at that, and led full active lives well into their 70's/80's. Since when has the minority made rules for the majority???, when did we become un democratic, when did we become a nation that ignored peoples fundamental right to freedom of choice?.

[adyclemo]

I have no problem with people smoking, rightly so its their choice, but i dont agree with people smoking at the wheel. My grandad smoked all his life and never smoked while in the car as did my uncle. My mum smokes but wont smoke while driving.

As a driver you have enough to consentrate on when driving withought the added distraction or whatever else you may call it. As with everything there is a time and place and the car is not the place for the majority of things. There is always somewhere to pull up for a few mins and have the ciggy just like i do if i need to made a phone call, your stationary and just for those few mins you can relax, let you guard down, and not worry about the road ahead and enjoy that ciggy or phone call withought loosing consentration on the road and others around you.