If it is determined that someone who chooses to puff away caused an accident by being distracted or driving recklessly, they may be subject to severe fines.
Although smoking or vaping while driving is not illegal, the law was changed back in 2015 so that smoking in a car with anyone under the age of 18 is now prohibited – with the driver and the smoker each facing a fine of £50.
However, the penalty may be considerably more severe.
The Highway Code’s Rule 148 states that you should “avoid distractions” when driving, and smoking is one of those distractions.
Driving carelessly could result in a £100 fine, but in more severe circumstances, it could result in a maximum £5,000 fine, up to nine penalty points, or possibly a driving ban.
Motoring organisations are now advocating for a ban on vaping while driving due to worries that it can impair vision and cause dizziness.
According to experts at LeaseCar.uk, it is impossible for people to maintain the appropriate standard of driving while vaping.
“With the current vaping epidemic, it is only a matter of time before we start seeing more fatalities on the road,” said Tim Alcock of LeaseCar.uk.
Nicotine-containing e-cigarettes make users woozy and lightheaded, which is extremely risky and endangers both the driver and other road users.
In addition, as users blow on the gadgets, huge clouds of smoke impede and restrict eyesight, posing a serious threat.
We are urging the government to immediately modify the laws governing driving offences and take into account how risky vaping while driving is.
Should you be encountering any of the problems discussed in this article, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will try to assist you in any way we can.