Car Insurance News from Be Wiser

Smoking Has Ignited Motorists Driving Habits

Smoking while behind the wheel reduces the level of concentration as well as posing a fire risk from falling hot ash – both of which could easily result in an accident. Driving while trying to multi-task is not a safe option - yet many still do.

Even though there are a high number of motorists who smoke while driving, 67% of drivers believe that smokers should extinguish their cigarettes before getting behind the wheel.

The dangers of smoking are added to the list of other potential distractions while driving, which include playing loud music, eating, drinking and changing music or a radio station - as they also contribute to accidents on UK roads.

There are also concerns for passengers being exposed to second hand smoke, in particular young children. It has been revealed just the cigarette in a confined vehicle; even with the window open can create as much second hand smoke as being in a whole evening in a room full of smokers.

Although motorists who smoke while driving aren’t breaking the law, they run the risk of ‘dangerous driving’ or ‘driving without due care and attention’, which could lead to a £60 fine and three points on their license.

Not only is there a risk stemming from motorists holding a cigarette behind the wheel, there is also the added worry that the concentration of a smoker could be disturbed because of the need for a cigarette and the frustrated desire to have one.

Statistics show that up to one in four adults in the UK smoke, meaning more than 8 million of the nation’s 33 million motorists could be at risk while on the roads.

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