Motorist who smoke can be prosecuted

Friday, September 28, 2007

New Highway Code includes change
Smokers must drive 'with due care and attention'
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Drivers who smoke can now be prosecuted if it is thought they are driving without due care and attention.

The new rule is published in the revamped Highway Code, which has been launched today.

Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick told the BBC: 'Drivers should remember they have to concentrate and shouldn't be distracted by passengers, loud music, reading a map, using a mobile phone or smoking.

'If you're lighting up with one hand and have a fag in the other hand, then obviously you don't have any hands on the wheel - concentration is very important in the prevention of accidents.'

The rule change has already angered pro-smoking lobbies.

Campaign group Forest's director, Simon Clark, said: 'There's not a shred of evidence that smoking is a cause of accidents, or is any more of a distraction than changing a CD or operating air-conditioning controls.'

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