Smoking in cars, should it be banned?

[britishsaffy]

I dont smoke but I would hate to live anywhere where they dictated what I could or couldn't do in my own home - whether that be smoking, drinking or picking my damn nose! I think you should be MORALLY responsible for not smoking around children, not LEGALLY.
Governments just have their noses in too many places - and we just keep letting them!

 

[Rhi_Rhi1]

Say its silly all u like lol... Slowly killing your own children because u are too selfish to go outside at least (i know not u) is child abuse and our Canadian government is cracking down more and more about it.

Deleted: I went a bit over the top lol, will reply when its not 3 am

 

[JASMAK]

World Helath Organization

This is their GENERAL DEFINITION of child abuse:

"Child abuse or maltreatment constitutes all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power."

Highlighted the spot that this MAY apply to (smoking in front of children, that is)

And here, it breaks down one form of child abuse, NEGLECT:

Neglect and negligent treatment:

Neglect is the failure to provide for the development of the child in all spheres: health, education, emotional development, nutrition, shelter, and safe living conditions, in the context of resources reasonably available to the family or caretakers and causes or has a high probability of causing harm to the child’s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development. This includes the failure to properly supervise and protect children from harm as much as is feasible.

So, read that...keep an open mind...and well...I think it speaks for itself...this is only relating to children.

My dad smoked infront of us kids...he was a chain smoker. I am almost half-expecting to be diagnosed with lung cancer one day. It makes me kind of angry to be honest, although, back then, there was no education like there is now, about those risks.

OK...carry on.

 

[Nibblenic]

Totally agree JASMAK.

It wasnt too long ago when it wasnt child abuse unless you beat your child with a heavy object My mum can remember a cane, you know. Our definition of abuse has changes hugely in the last 40-50 years. I think in that amount of time again smoking could easily been seen as abuse, using the deffiniton above.

 

[Eliza_V]

I don't agree that it's child abuse when smoking in the vicinity of a child. Sure, it's not the smartest thing you can do, and I agree that it's not right and I wouldn't do it if I still smoked. But I agree with a pp that the word 'abuse' is thrown around too much nowadays.

Everything has the potential to cause harm. When I drive to a friends house later with LO in the car, there are gale force winds.. That has the potential to cause an accident. Is taking her out in the car in bad weather abuse? What about when the snow gets heavier over the next few days, is taking LO to the shop with me to get food abuse, because there is potentially a higher risk of harm through accidents or falling over? Potentiality is not the same as actuality.. There's potential everywhere.

Going back to what I've said before, I do agree it shouldn't be allowed in cars around children (in case what I've said above steers away from that) but I don't think smoking around children is "abuse" specifically, and I think adults should be able to smoke in their own cars/homes etc when they are alone should they wish to.

Maybe smoking itself is actually self-harming, and all smokers should be in psychiatric wards and on antidepressants

ETA: This is in response to

Spoiler

World Helath Organization

This is their GENERAL DEFINITION of child abuse:

"Child abuse or maltreatment constitutes all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power."

Highlighted the spot that this MAY apply to (smoking in front of children, that is)

And here, it breaks down one form of child abuse, NEGLECT:

Neglect and negligent treatment:

Neglect is the failure to provide for the development of the child in all spheres: health, education, emotional development, nutrition, shelter, and safe living conditions, in the context of resources reasonably available to the family or caretakers and causes or has a high probability of causing harm to the child’s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development. This includes the failure to properly supervise and protect children from harm as much as is feasible.

 

[redpoppy]

No and I'm not a smoker but I have a large libertarian streak in me. The anti smoking frenzy that people get into is ridiculous. I remember being on thread on here I think where people were getting hysterical about walking past smokers in the street.

I really think people need to stop being so delicate about these things. There may be some argument to warn people who smoke close to their children but help should be given rather than punishment. Also, I don't think eating in cars should be banned. It doesn't require much thought.

 

[Eve]

I think smoking is a personal choice but when it involves causing serious health risks to children our laws should protect them.

 

[JASMAK]

No and I'm not a smoker but I have a large libertarian streak in me. The anti smoking frenzy that people get into is ridiculous. I remember being on thread on here I think where people were getting hysterical about walking past smokers in the street.

I really think people need to stop being so delicate about these things. There may be some argument to warn people who smoke close to their children but help should be given rather than punishment. Also, I don't think eating in cars should be banned. It doesn't require much thought.

But that IS a big deal to some people!!! If I walk past people who smoke, I end up coughing for then next 1/2 hour to an hour, runny watery eyes, and itchy hives all over my exposed skin (usually my face). It may seem absurd to those who find it no bother, or even a mild inconvenience to smell smoke while walking into a door, but for some, it's more than that..and it can ruin their day.

 

[redpoppy]

But that IS a big deal to some people!!! If I walk past people who smoke, I end up coughing for then next 1/2 hour to an hour, runny watery eyes, and itchy hives all over my exposed skin (usually my face). It may seem absurd to those who find it no bother, or even a mild inconvenience to smell smoke while walking into a door, but for some, it's more than that..and it can ruin their day.

I hate the smell of cigarette smoke I think it's vile. I hate that when I used to go out in pubs or clubs my eyes used to sting and I would smell like an ashtray. I do not allow anyone to smoke in my house. I support the ban inside. I hate the smell when I'm in the street, I hate it stings my eyes and makes me sniffle.

But the reality is that outside is a big place. If you have such an extreme minority reaction then you're not the norm, you're not what usually happens. It would be like someone with an extreme allergy to chocolate being in their vicinity demanding chocolate be banned. Its just not acceptable.

And although smoking kills, so do a lot of other things and your reaction isn't going to kill you. I remember the "walking past a smoker" thread where I provided evidence from a study that if you walked past a smoker then the effect on any individuals health was proven to be non existent. Because it's outside. The smoke flies away, and you walk past. And it's done. And hence I repeat that although I feel for you and I empathise with your condition, I think it is hysterical to consider your reaction a viable reason to change the law.

If people are not allowed to smoke outside think of all those kids who have parents with no garden who pop out for a cigarette? Do you think they're going to just stop? Or do you think its very likely many of them end up smoking in their homes where their children are? Even if its in another room it will cling to things and it will affect them.

Passing laws to control people's lives must have a limit. Education is the way not legislation. And just because you are not a smoker and hate smoking you should defend people's rights. I don't drink but I would defend the right of people to drink. I don't eat enormous amounts of junk and get fat and cause a strain on the NHS but I defend people's rights to eat what they want. I don't plan on having kids while I'm living on benefits but I defend the right of people to their own reproductive lives. People must have their freedom otherwise live loses its value.

I can't be bothered with this thread. I think I remember now why I spent so much time away from these boards.

 

[Eve]

I would sooner give up my rights to smoke, drink and be fat to protect the rights of cleaner air to a child. I feel they should be put first as they do not have a choice like we do.

 

[redpoppy]

I would sooner give up my rights to smoke, drink and be fat to protect the rights of cleaner air to a child. I feel they should be put first as they do not have a choice like we do.

But what about when a child is not in the car? People who don't have children shouldn't have to give up smoking in their cars right? Smoking around children be it in the home or in any other area can be tackled without blanket banning smoking.

 

[smelly07]

Doesnt anyone think that even if children arent in the car that drivers still SHOULD NOT smoke, drink, eat, apply make up, read a book, text, talk on a phone, changing cd's or the radio etc etc...........................anything that can distract a driver shouldnt be allowed.......... accidents have been caused, people have been injured or killed because drivers have been behind a wheel doing the above ^^^^^^ All a person should be doing whilst driving is that DRIVING......all eyes/senses concentrating on getting from A-B. x

 

[deafgal]

I do . I wrote that people need both hands free in case of emergency. I think it is distraction as well.

Doesnt anyone think that even if children arent in the car that drivers still SHOULD NOT smoke, drink, eat, apply make up, read a book, text, talk on a phone, changing cd's or the radio etc etc...........................anything that can distract a driver shouldnt be allowed.......... accidents have been caused, people have been injured or killed because drivers have been behind a wheel doing the above ^^^^^^ All a person should be doing whilst driving is that DRIVING......all eyes/senses concentrating on getting from A-B. x

 

[Eve]

Ive said before... I dont give a rats rear what ppl do NOT around children... Smoke to your hearts content I think it should be illrgal to smoke in front of children in enclosed spaces including homes and vehicles.

 

[redpoppy]

Doesnt anyone think that even if children arent in the car that drivers still SHOULD NOT smoke, drink, eat, apply make up, read a book, text, talk on a phone, changing cd's or the radio etc etc...........................anything that can distract a driver shouldnt be allowed.......... accidents have been caused, people have been injured or killed because drivers have been behind a wheel doing the above ^^^^^^ All a person should be doing whilst driving is that DRIVING......all eyes/senses concentrating on getting from A-B. x

Nope. i think people should be allowed to eat, drink (non alcoholic of course!) smoke, and listen to the radio/cd and change channels without it being a hazard to society. The only time I've ever had a car crash was when I was daydreaming because I was bored in traffic and ended up in a pile up. I am ashamed of it but my point is driving is easy and quite boring. I've never met anyone who could not drive and smoke. It's hardly rocket science. Billboards are more of a distraction than eating a bar of chocolate.

 

[deafgal]

my state banned talking and texting on the cellphone for that reason. listening to music is ok.

 

[smelly07]

but it is a hazard to society.......maybe its because my nephew has been in a car crash because the driver change the radio station and took his eye of the road for a second......... personally even if it isnt rocket science to be able drive and smoke or whatever......... its a distraction and it only takes a second...........when someone is driving its not just their own life they are risking but pedestrians and other passengers in other cars........so what if drivings boring.... if someone cant concentrate for long enough to get to where they are going then maybe they shouldnt drive..... i think laws should be tighter.

 

[redpoppy]

but it is a hazard to society.......maybe its because my nephew has been in a car crash because the driver change the radio station and took his eye of the road for a second......... personally even if it isnt rocket science to be able drive and smoke or whatever......... its a distraction and it only takes a second...........when someone is driving its not just their own life they are risking but pedestrians and other passengers in other cars........so what if drivings boring.... if someone cant concentrate for long enough to get to where they are going then maybe they shouldnt drive..... i think laws should be tighter.

You think if someone can't concentrate they shouldn't drive. How would you legislate for that? And if it's possible why can't we just legislate to stop those people who can't drive and do simple things like eat a bar of chocolate or smoke from driving?

I think it can get extreme. There will be people who have been in accidents when they lose concentration because they are talking to someone. Why don't we ban people driving in cars with other people, or pets, or children. It's not normal to change a radio station and lose awareness of the road. Yes it happens but most people do the fiddly thing where you keep your eyes on the road and give quick glances to the radio. I'm really sorry that your nephew was in an accident but are you seriously suggesting that we remove all radios from cars? Because that's going to be pretty hard sell.

 

[smelly07]

but it is a hazard to society.......maybe its because my nephew has been in a car crash because the driver change the radio station and took his eye of the road for a second......... personally even if it isnt rocket science to be able drive and smoke or whatever......... its a distraction and it only takes a second...........when someone is driving its not just their own life they are risking but pedestrians and other passengers in other cars........so what if drivings boring.... if someone cant concentrate for long enough to get to where they are going then maybe they shouldnt drive..... i think laws should be tighter.

You think if someone can't concentrate they shouldn't drive. How would you legislate for that? And if it's possible why can't we just legislate to stop those people who can't drive and do simple things like eat a bar of chocolate or smoke from driving?

I think it can get extreme. There will be people who have been in accidents when they lose concentration because they are talking to someone. Why don't we ban people driving in cars with other people, or pets, or children. It's not normal to change a radio station and lose awareness of the road. Yes it happens but most people do the fiddly thing where you keep your eyes on the road and give quick glances to the radio. I'm really sorry that your nephew was in an accident but are you seriously suggesting that we remove all radios from cars? Because that's going to be pretty hard sell.

if someone has problems with concentration then yes and no i dont suggest banning radios, switch the radio on before you drive maybe and leave that station playing until its safe to switch channels........????

why does someone NEED to eat/drink behind a wheel is that REALLY neccesary.??????????.........it might not cause an accident then again it might .

i saw someone reading a book behind a wheel once.........is that not just bloody ridiculous or is that another thing a person should be able to do whilst driving?


https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4788910.stm

 

[Eliza_V]

Talking on phones/texting/reading books/applying make-up wacko is dangerous while driving. Eating and drining (providing there's no fiddly packaging that requires both hands), listening to music and smoking are fine.

When I was driving between 400 and 1000 miles a week to look after my Mum when she had cancer (200 miles away from where I was living and studying) as well as finish my University degree, I was often driving overnight or very early in the morning after little sleep and was exhausted both emotionally and because I was up to my eyes in University work, and had to get it done before lectures. Driving with no music just creates a white noise, which sends people to sleep and was dangerous, so I had the music up loud and sang. I ate in the car as I had no other time to eat inbetween lectures, hospital trips, and sleeping. Smoking kept me awake as nicotine is a stimulant, and the opening of the window also helped, as did teh action of doing something other than keeping both hands on the sterring wheel "at 10 and 2". If I stopped every time I felt hungry or like I needed something to keep me going, I'd have spent most of my degree and my Mums treatment sleeping in service stations rather than getting what I needed to done.

Although if I ever was dangerously tired, I would pull over and sleep. I'm not a martyr and wouldn't put other people's lives in danger. If my cigarettes or CD had fallen on the floor, or the radio wasn't working, I would wait until I had pulled over to fix it. Fiddly food packaging was a no-no, I'd just have to pull over and open it before setting off again. Cigarette was always out of the window so there was no risk of dropping it in my lap.

I guess if there's a group of us in a car we should just sit in silence.. Talking is a distraction, is it not?

Anyway, this is going off-topic. This is about smoking in cars around children, not listening to music or eating. Start a new thread for that maybe?