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Calls Grow for Vape Ban in Vehicles Under Proposed Driving Regulations
Advocates are pushing for a prohibition on vaping in specific vehicles, aligning with the contemplation of new driving rules. A recently launched parliamentary petition is advocating for the existing prohibition on smoking in cars to be broadened, encompassing vaping for the first time. This initiative seeks to extend protections similar to those established with the prior car smoking ban.
Extending Smoking Ban to Include Vaping
In 2015, authorities implemented a ban on smoking in vehicles when carrying individuals under 18 years of age. The primary aim was to safeguard young people from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Campaigners now assert that vaping could pose analogous hazards, necessitating similar regulations to protect vulnerable groups.
Proponents of the petition argue that incorporating vaping into existing smoking bans would serve a dual purpose:
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- Protect Public Health: Reduce involuntary exposure to potentially harmful substances present in vapor, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma.
- Discourage Youth Vaping: Lessen the visibility of vaping in public settings, thereby diminishing its appeal to younger demographics and helping prevent nicotine addiction among young people.
The petition emphasizes that integrating vapes into these prohibitions ensures fairness and coherence, establishing a uniform policy aimed at safeguarding collective well-being related to air quality and exposure.
Vaping While Driving: A Matter of Road Safety
Confused.com, a resource providing clarity on motoring issues, clarified the current legal landscape, noting, “At present, vaping while operating a vehicle is not explicitly against the law.”
However, the organisation cautioned about the potential risks:
- Obscured Vision: Substantial vapor clouds produced during vaping could impede a driver’sClear sight line, leading to potential hazards.
- Legal Consequences: Such impairment of visibility might be construed as driving without due care and attention, potentially resulting in financial penalties and points against a driver’s license.
- Police Warnings: Law enforcement has underscored the dangers associated with vaping while driving, highlighting the significant penalties drivers could incur.