What do you think about this?

[70707Bride]

I just saw this on Yahoo! and thought it might be a good idea. Just wanted to know everyone else's opinions on where this is going.

Calif. bans smoking in cars with kids

By STEVE LAWRENCE, Associated Press Writer Thu Oct 11, 6:04 AM ET



SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California motorists will risk fines of up to $100 next year if they are caught smoking in cars with minors, making their state the third to protect children in vehicles from secondhand smoke.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday signed a bill that will make it an infraction to smoke in a vehicle if someone under age 18 is present. But the traffic stop would have to be made for another offense, such as speeding or an illegal turn, before the driver could be cited for smoking.

The ban, which takes effect Jan. 1, joins a string of smoking prohibitions adopted in California, including a ban on smoking in enclosed workplaces and within 25 feet of a playground.

A Harvard School of Public Health report issued last year said secondhand smoke in cars can be up to 10 times more of a health risk than secondhand smoke in a home.

"Protecting the health of our children is among government's highest responsibilities," said the bill's author, state Sen. Jenny Oropeza, a Democrat. "It is clear that increasing public awareness about the dangers of secondhand smoke is the right thing to do."

At least 20 states and a number of municipalities have considered limiting smoking in cars where minors are present. Arkansas now bans smoking in cars with children age 6 and younger, while Louisiana has limited it when children 13 and younger are in the vehicle. Maine lawmakers will take up the issue in January.

[ShortyBride]

I think that is awesome. I think people forget how dangerous second hand smoke is or sometimes don't care because they want a cigarette so badly. Protecting your children or any children should be a big concern for many.

[PGDesigns]

I think it's great! I have no problem if other people want to smoke. It's their choice, but to put their children at risk is crossing WAY over the line. I get so tired of seeing people puffing away while small children are coughing in the backseat with the windows rolled up. It makes me very sad.

[SerendipityCrafts]

I just think it's sad that there is a need for government to get involved.

As a person that smokes, I wouldn't dream of ever smoking inside a car or home with anyone, who doesn't smoke. Sad when a government has to legistlate common sense.

[70707Bride]

I think it's great! I have no problem if other people want to smoke. It's their choice, but to put their children at risk is crossing WAY over the line. I get so tired of seeing people puffing away while small children are coughing in the backseat with the windows rolled up. It makes me very sad.

Yeah, it is their choice, I agree with you, but its also not a choice. What choice do babies have before they're born?

[70707Bride]

I just think it's sad that there is a need for government to get involved.

As a person that smokes, I wouldn't dream of ever smoking inside a car or home with anyone, who doesn't smoke. Sad when a government has to legistlate common sense.

Yes it is sad. I'm not trying to offend anyone either. But a lot of people don't have common sense!

[firespirit]

I don't think it should be a secondary offense. I think they should have it so you can get pulled over for smoking in your car with a minor in it.

[bichonlvr]

I LOVE IT!!!!!

I have sooo many kids that stink like smoke all of the time and I think they technically get addicted to it from an early age!!! Then they get all kinds of crazy lung issues!!! That our government pays for through Medical!!!

[firespirit]

I just think it's sad that there is a need for government to get involved.

As a person that smokes, I wouldn't dream of ever smoking inside a car or home with anyone, who doesn't smoke. Sad when a government has to legistlate common sense.

I used to be a smoker, but I think I was a considerate one, I'd go somewhere else away from the non-smokers etc., etc. Of course now that the smell bugs me more I have become more vocal about the inconsiderate ones that aren't observing our (state of Washington) 25 ft rule and those that don't have the curtousy to go to a desginated smoking area in theme parks and stuff.

[SerendipityCrafts]

Yes it is sad. I'm not trying to offend anyone either. But a lot of people don't have common sense!

Apparently not. I wonder if or how they expect the cops to enforce this - don't they have enough to do?

[bichonlvr]

EWWWW when I lived in Washington they still asked smkoing or non when you went to go and eat! YUCK!!!!

[firespirit]

Apparently not. I wonder if or how they expect the cops to enforce this - don't they have enough to do?

That's probably why it's secondary, people are only goign to get tickets for this if they happen to violate some other traffic rule.

[firespirit]

EWWWW when I lived in Washington they still asked smkoing or non when you went to go and eat! YUCK!!!!

They just passed a new law about 2 years ago, no smoking in or within 25 ft of public buildings (so all of our bars and restaurants are smoke-free) it's great now!

EDIT: I've gotten so used to it thats what I dislike about going other places, like Las Vegas was smoky every where, Germany was the same way as was Jamaica...

[ger]

As a RT, I'm probably a LOT prejudice about this issue...but I truely am sad that the gov't HAS to step in and FORCE people to use common sense. Of the little people that get hospitalized with lung issues...99% have parents that smoke. These people just don't understand that just because you aren't smoking in the same 6 inches that your child is in...doesn't mean it isn't affecting them. (Oh, boy...get me on my soap box...huh??)

[70707Bride]

Apparently not. I wonder if or how they expect the cops to enforce this - don't they have enough to do?

Yeah but do they do it? Lol.

[PGDesigns]

Yeah, it is their choice, I agree with you, but its also not a choice. What choice do babies have before they're born?

Exactly. A lot of people aren't considerate of others when they make their choices. I have no problem with people making choices as long as they aren't affecting others. In the case of smoking and children, those choices definitely affect others (the children), so I have a HUGE problem with it. The babies and children have no way to escape from it.