As most if not all of you will be aware, the law has tightened with regards to mobile phone use in the car. It has now been illegal for some time to make or receive a call whilst driving without the use of a hands-free kit.
This may have just been a sign of things to come, as in the revised Highway Code for 2007, smoking has been labelled as a distraction which police may deem as not allowing proper control of a car. This could lead to a fine or points being issued if you are stopped by a police officer having been seen to drive dangerously or without due care and attention.
In a study carried out by esure car insurance it was found that 45% of smokers who were surveyed will carry on lighting up behind the wheel. Of those questioned, a worryingly large amount (68%) admitted to not having read the Highway Code since they passed their test.
It appears that a significant amount of those questioned (80% in fact) take both of their hands off the wheel to light a cigarette. This is potentially very dangerous behaviour and leaves the driver with no control over the vehicle should he or she need it.
There were several other dangers highlighted in the survey, including: almost half of those questioned admitted to dropping their cigarette whilst driving and a shocking 26% of these people have taken their eyes off the road in order to retrieve it.
Some 45% of drivers questioned admitted to throwing their cigarette butts out of the car, which could be potentially dangerous if it is not extinguished properly.
All in all, the survey has highlighted some very worrying habits when it comes to smoking whilst driving.
It is interesting to note that of the non-smokers questioned two thirds would support a driver smoking ban. Perhaps surprisingly, 11% of smokers agree.
It is important to remember that driving whilst distracted endangers not only yourself but your fellow drivers. Should you be caught and given points on your licence, you will face an insurance policy increase. Should you receive six or more points you will find your car insurance quote can rise by up to 60%.
The question is; can you afford to gamble with your health, personal safety - and wallet - in this manner?
A survey carried out by esure car insurance has highlighted several worrying smoking related habits.
If you are caught driving dangerously due to distraction from smoking you could be given a fine and points on your licence, resulting in a hefty increase on your next car insurance quote
Source: www.articlecity.com
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