Italy - could ban smoking while driving..

November 30, 2009 - Italy could soon take smoking bans to a new level by barring drivers from lighting up behind the wheel.

Supporters say the ban on smoking while driving would make the roads safer and protect passengers, especially children who are often subjected to second-hand smoke (SHS, sidestream smoke, passive smoking, involuntary smoking, environmental tobacco smoking, ETS) while they are in cars, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

The proposal has support across the political spectrum.

Italy already bans smoking in most indoor public places and has become one of the most aggressive European countries in the fight against cigarettes.

The proposed ban on smoking in cars was partly inspired by an Australian study released in 2007 that found second-hand smoke is more dangerous in cars than in houses.

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Reference: Italy proposes banning smoking in cars, UPI.com, 11/27/2009.