Don’t Vape And Drive Say Accident Boffins

Wed 29th Jan 2020

A leading road safety society has warned that the habit of vaping while driving could put motorists of a significant fine and points on their licence.

Though vaping isn’t currently illegal according to the Highway Code, the thick smoke caused by the practice could be seen as a sufficient distraction that the police may see it as driving without due care and attention.

Nick Lloyd, head of road safety at Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: "Distracted driving is a leading cause of road accidents in the UK.

"Any secondary activity which takes eyes off the road is potentially dangerous.

"As well as being a physical distraction, vaping while behind the wheel can create visibility problems if clouds of vapour are produced.

"Although it is not currently prohibited in law, drivers choosing to vape while on the road is a growing and concerning trend.

"If using an electronic cigarette whilst driving causes a motorist to become involved in a collision, then the activity could be considered careless driving - which is an offence."

There are thought to be more than three million e-cigarette users in the UK, many of those drivers, and with the thick plumes of smoke causing the same visual impairments as a low sunset, it could harm your ability to drive.

Police can issue a £100 fine if they believe the smoke is causing a problem, and if you have an accident it is unlikely an insurer will cover any damage if a plume of smoke caused it.