ASH Ireland call for Smoking Ban in all Motor Vehicles

Date: 20 February 2007

ASH Ireland call for Smoking Ban in all Motor Vehicles.

20th Feb 2007 - Ash Wednesday call from ASH Ireland…

ASH Ireland today called on the government to introduce a smoking ban in all motor vehicles in the best interest of health and road safety. The workplace smoking legislation introduced in 2005 did not restrict smoking in private vehicles.

Professor Luke Clancy, Chairman of ASH Ireland said today, “Our anti-smoking legislation has been extremely successful and the government are again to be complimented on an initiative which is being replicated all around the world. I believe that smoking should be banned in cars as it raises issues in relation to health as well as road safety. Smokers must light up, hold the cigarette, deposit the ash and dispose of the cigarette - all whilst driving. If it is not safe to hold a mobile phone while driving – it’s difficult to see how it can be safe to smoke. For health reasons there are obvious risks. The smoker is at additional risk in such a confined space as are all other passengers who use the car during and after the smoking. This would apply in particular to young children who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).

Recent research from Health Services Executive West shows that 9% of non-smokers allow adults to smoke in a car with children present, while 37% of smokers allow smoking in the same situation.

As we approach another Ash Wednesday it is opportune for the government to look at this health proposal. A decision to implement this health initiative would merely require an amendment to the 2005 legislation. Once again this initiative would be welcomed by those with a genuine concern in health and would be followed elsewhere all around the world – just as our workplace legislation has been.

Regrettably, over 6600 people die from tobacco related disease in this country each year – and it is imperative that every possible initiative is taken to alleviate this horrific statistic.

ENDS
Further information
Professor Luke Clancy, 086-8364337
Wally Young, Young Communications 01 668 0530

ASH Ireland is funded by the Irish Cancer Society and Irish Heart Foundation