The Rising Concerns Over Vaping While Driving: A Call for Legislative Change
Vaping has become a hot topic in the UK, with a record 4.3 million people claiming to vape as of August 2022. This represents an 8.3% growth from the previous year, the highest rate ever recorded.
But as the popularity of vaping continues to rise, so too do the concerns about its impact on road safety.
The Current State of Affairs
It’s a very common urban myth, but in the UK, there's no specific law that makes it illegal to vape or smoke while driving. The only current law around smoking and driving is that it's illegal to smoke with someone under 18 in the vehicle. Interestingly, this law doesn't apply to vaping.
However, it's a legal requirement to drive with due care and attention. Motoring experts claim that the plumes of vapour and excessive amounts of nicotine found in many vapes make it impossible for drivers to adhere to this law.
Failure to drive with due care and attention can lead to an unlimited fine, 9 points on your license, and even a discretionary disqualification. In extreme cases, if someone is injured or killed due to careless driving, the driver could be jailed.
The Taxi and Private Hire Perspective
When it comes to taxis and private hire vehicles, the rules are a bit different. In a London black cab, for instance, smoking, e-cigarettes, and vaping are not allowed at any time. This applies to both the driver and passengers.
Those found to be breaking this rule could face a maximum fine of £200.
This no-smoking policy is similar nationwide and is in line with the law, which prohibits smoking in enclosed public places, workplaces, and vehicles. This extends to electronic cigarettes and vape sticks, which are also not allowed in licensed private hire and taxi vehicles.
The Call for Change
Given the potential dangers of vaping while driving, motoring experts are calling for an urgent ban on smoking e-cigarette devices when behind the wheel. They argue that the nicotine in e-cigarettes can cause dizziness and light-headedness, which can be incredibly dangerous while driving.
In addition to these health effects, the devices emit vast clouds of vapour, which can restrict vision and make it impossible for drivers to be aware of their surroundings. This, they argue, makes it impossible for people to adhere to the standard of driving with due care and attention while vaping.
While smoking or vaping while driving may not be illegal per se, it can lead to a range of behaviours and distractions that can put road users’ lives at risk. These include driving with only one hand on the wheel, clouds of smoke impairing vision, and even the risk of dropping the cigarette.
As the debate continues, it's clear that this is an issue that needs urgent attention from both the public and the government.