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Smoking Whilst Driving – New Highway Code Guidelines
3rd October 2007
The latest edition of Highway Code was published this week, with many extra pages and several new rules, including one about smoking behind the wheel.
Road Safety
Drivers could be prosecuted if it is thought that smoking is distracting them, causing them to drive without due care and attention or not have full control of their vehicle.
The Road Safety Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick, indicated that concentration when driving is very important in the prevention of road accidents. He commented: “What it says is that drivers should remember they have to concentrate and they shouldn't be distracted either by passengers, by loud music, by reading a map, or using a mobile phone or by smoking.”
Although the new guideline is thought by some as a positive step towards reducing the number of car accidents on Britain’s roads, others have criticised its inclusion
Other Issues
Some other new additions to the booklet, the first update in 8 years, include a safety code for inexperienced drivers, details of new initiatives such as traffic management schemes and high occupancy lanes, information about vehicle emissions laws and details of the law relating to smoking in vehicles considered to be workplaces.
Road Accident Compensation Claims
If you or a member of your family has suffered a personal injury due to a road accident, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Contact The Legal Line for cost free advice and assistance from our specialist lawyers on 0800 0328511, or by completing a compensation claim enquiry form online.
This story was also reported by BBC news.
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