so, this increasingly Nazi-like government are now dictating what you can do inside your own car now... well, like hell they are - if they care to pay my tax - fine, have a say. As they don't...feck off, Brown!!!!!!!!!!

 

Drivers could be prosecuted for smoking at the wheel, according to a warning in the latest version of the Highway Code.

 

Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick described the new code - the first update for eight years - as a "crucial tool for all road users".

 

However the AA said the new code, which contains 29 more rules than the previous one, would be harder to decipher.

 

AA spokesman Andrew Howard said: "After an eight-year gap since the last edition, it would have been helpful to have had the changes marked out, as they were in the draft, and allow experienced drivers to skim through this 307-point version.

 

"A major change is the code's inclusion of smoking at the wheel as behaviour that police may interpret as a distraction and failure to be in proper control of the vehicle. This addition will polarise drivers' opinions both for and against."

 

Among the changes is a new safety code for novice drivers.

 

It tells those new to the road: "If you are driving with passengers, you are responsible for their safety.

 

"Don't let them distract you or encourage you to take risks. Never show off or try to compete with other drivers, particularly if they are driving badly."

 

The code has also been updated to include new legislation that has been introduced on vehicle emissions.

 

It also includes the provision of new stopping/directing powers to traffic officers from the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency and the Highways Agency.

 

Mr Fitzpatrick said: "The Official Highway Code is for life - not just for passing your driving test. It is a crucial tool for all road users and applies to every stage of your life.

 

"Everyone should have a copy of the code to keep their knowledge up to date."

 

so, this increasingly Nazi-like government are now dictating what you can do inside your own car now... well, like hell they are - if they care to pay my tax - fine, have a say. As they don't...feck off, Brown!!!!!!!!!!

 

Drivers could be prosecuted for smoking at the wheel, according to a warning in the latest version of the Highway Code.

 

Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick described the new code - the first update for eight years - as a "crucial tool for all road users".

 

However the AA said the new code, which contains 29 more rules than the previous one, would be harder to decipher.

 

AA spokesman Andrew Howard said: "After an eight-year gap since the last edition, it would have been helpful to have had the changes marked out, as they were in the draft, and allow experienced drivers to skim through this 307-point version.

 

"A major change is the code's inclusion of smoking at the wheel as behaviour that police may interpret as a distraction and failure to be in proper control of the vehicle. This addition will polarise drivers' opinions both for and against."

 

Among the changes is a new safety code for novice drivers.

 

It tells those new to the road: "If you are driving with passengers, you are responsible for their safety.

 

"Don't let them distract you or encourage you to take risks. Never show off or try to compete with other drivers, particularly if they are driving badly."

 

The code has also been updated to include new legislation that has been introduced on vehicle emissions.

 

It also includes the provision of new stopping/directing powers to traffic officers from the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency and the Highways Agency.

 

Mr Fitzpatrick said: "The Official Highway Code is for life - not just for passing your driving test. It is a crucial tool for all road users and applies to every stage of your life.

 

"Everyone should have a copy of the code to keep their knowledge up to date."

 

I dunno mate, nobody argued against stopping people using mobile phones while driving, as it DID cause distractions and it DID cause accidents... Seems to me that smoking a fag would qualify under the whole "both hands should be on the wheel" arguement.... You cant get "hands-free" smoking kits, so I can actually see this as being necessary tbh.... Of course, no one would suggest that passengers couldn't smoke....

if the law states that you need 2 free hands to be in full control of your vehicle, then its inevitable that drivers smoking is a no-no. no ones saying that you cant smoke in your car, just not the driver when driving.... makes sense.

Its not the first time you have seen someone smoke and use there mobile at the same time. Smoking at the wheel is a distraction just as drinking coffee would be

To be honest this is a good thing, both hands should be on the wheel, its about time a new law was enforced, on drivers.

Both hands usually are on the wheel though when smoking, you only take it off for a few seconds each time you want a drag. It's not like a phone when your hand is off for a number of minutes and you've got something that can distract you quite a lot. Lighting a cigarette is quite dangerous, but not actually smoking one imo. And when you take your hand off the wheel to bring the fag to your mouth, it's only like taking it off the wheel to use the gearstick. That's my view on it anyway. :D

Both hands usually are on the wheel though when smoking, you only take it off for a few seconds each time you want a drag. It's not like a phone when your hand is off for a number of minutes and you've got something that can distract you quite a lot. Lighting a cigarette is quite dangerous, but not actually smoking one imo. And when you take your hand off the wheel to bring the fag to your mouth, it's only like taking it off the wheel to use the gearstick. That's my view on it anyway. :D

 

Yeah but in fairness, drinking and eating is illegal and it's not as if people make a mission to have a sip of drink or throw a sweet (or something basica obvs, not like a four course dinner) in their mouth.

it takes 2 fingers to smoke.....

 

Plus, both hands always on the wheel whilst driving? Changing gears, anyone?

it takes 2 fingers to smoke.....

 

Plus, both hands always on the wheel whilst driving? Changing gears, anyone?

 

2 fingers occupy 1 hand m8, try changing gears holding a fag! ... nah soz russ, it makes sense.

it takes 2 fingers to smoke.....

 

But the remaining fingers of that hand aren't on the steering-wheel. Or do you have a talent you haven't told us about? :unsure:

 

 

But the remaining fingers of that hand aren't on the steering-wheel. Or do you have a talent you haven't told us about? :unsure:

:blink: They are aren't they.

You can hold a fag and have both hands on the steering wheel with no problem I'd of thought.

The only issue I can see is when your firstly lighting the fag and second stubbing it out.

:blink: They are aren't they.

You can hold a fag and have both hands on the steering wheel with no problem I'd of thought.

The only issue I can see is when your firstly lighting the fag and second stubbing it out.

 

But they're not on the steering wheel when you're putting it in your mouth - or taking it out.

But the remaining fingers of that hand aren't on the steering-wheel. Or do you have a talent you haven't told us about? :unsure:

 

Exactlyyy.

 

And it still should be banned, the amount of times I've been on one of those two-way narrow roads with my window open and people have just thrown cigarettes that are still LIT out of their window (thereby nearly going through mine) is out of order. I don't just decided to be sick directly towards their car windows when I'm ill tbf.

:blink: They are aren't they.

You can hold a fag and have both hands on the steering wheel with no problem I'd of thought.

The only issue I can see is when your firstly lighting the fag and second stubbing it out.

 

But what if you did have your hands on the wheel with it, and for some reason you had to swerve, there's still the probability that you could drop it, then have to p*** about trying to pick it up (before it can catch light to something), then you won't be looking at the road as you try to get it then CRASH, you're dead.

 

Even if that theory is just a tad far-fetched aha.

But they're not on the steering wheel when you're putting it in your mouth - or taking it out.

Quicker then changing gear.

I drive with 1 hand on the wheel at all times, the other hand is permanantly on the gear stick as that is the most comfortable driving style for me and I have had 1 accident in 24 years of driving and that was caused by a deer so I dispute the fact that you need 2 hands on the wheel at all times, only time I have 2 hands on the wheel (25-2/3 position) is if there is wet weather and I might have to use some opposite lock or if there is cross winds again might have to use some opposite lock. I would call myself an above average to exceptional driver and I totally dispute the need to keep 2 hands on the wheel at all times, never have since I been driving

I drive with 1 hand on the wheel at all times, the other hand is permanantly on the gear stick as that is the most comfortable driving style for me and I have had 1 accident in 24 years of driving and that was caused by a deer so I dispute the fact that you need 2 hands on the wheel at all times, only time I have 2 hands on the wheel (25-2/3 position) is if there is wet weather and I might have to use some opposite lock or if there is cross winds again might have to use some opposite lock. I would call myself an above average to exceptional driver and I totally dispute the need to keep 2 hands on the wheel at all times, never have since I been driving

 

then you are an unsafe but lucky driver! :P lol

 

seriously though, thats 1 person out of millions, surely you wouldnt advocate EVERYBODY driving around using only 1 hand? we all can but chose to do it the correct manner...

 

by the way, have you ever had a blow out on the motorway? ... nah... one hand person would be dead.

then you are an unsafe but lucky driver! :P lol

 

seriously though, thats 1 person out of millions, surely you wouldnt advocate EVERYBODY driving around using only 1 hand? we all can but chose to do it the correct manner...

 

by the way, have you ever had a blow out on the motorway? ... nah... one hand person would be dead.

 

In the event of a blowout it is again safer to use 1 hand, if you have 1 hand on the gearstick engage neutral or 1st gear, apply the handbrake 2 or 3 times to scrub off speed without locking the wheels and steer into the skids with 1 hand, don't need 2 hands in that situation really

I hate my mam and dad smokiing in our car..

 

My Dad opens the window.. But about 3 inches, so when im sat in the car all I can smell is smoking fumes!:LOL:

if your smoking, wherever you shove the cancer stick, your attention is not 100% on the road. About time this was brought in. If you ask me sat nav should get chucked out -_- The amount of times I've seen people fiddling with it whilst driving is ridiculous. There are such things called ROAD SIGNS, use them :rolleyes: or actualy plan your route beforehand