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Don't smoke and drive campaign
| Published: 9th March 2010 16:08 |
Steer clear of ash to avoid a crash.
Smokers who light up behind the wheel are being asked to stub out their cigarettes to help them stay safe when travelling on Lancashire's roads.
Many smokers will leave their packs at home for No Smoking Day on Wednesday 11 March in an attempt to bid farewell to nicotine cravings for good. Lancashire County Council's Road Safety Group is asking those who have decided not to quit to give up smoking while they drive instead.
The Highway Code regards smoking as a 'distraction', along with a number of other habits. It is within the law to smoke a cigarette, read a map, enjoy a snack or adjust your radio while you drive, but if you are involved in a collision or endanger other road users then these habits could lead to you being charged with careless or dangerous driving. You could be fined, imprisoned or receive a minimum driving ban of 12 months.
Road Safety Adviser Carol Melhuish said: "A driver travelling at 30 miles an hour will travel nearly 54 metres in the four seconds it takes to pick up or light a cigarette, more than enough time to be involved in a crash or hit a pedestrian.
"If you crash while your hands are off the wheel or you're not watching the road while you light or fumble for a dropped cigarette, then the police may prosecute you. You should stop for a break every two hours to help yourself stay alert, so if you need to smoke why not use it as an excuse to have a rest?"
For more information about the Road Safety Group, call 0800 328 1635, email roadsafety@lancashire.gov.uk or click here.
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