California Smokers Beware

A new law was passed that goes into effect January 1st. Anyone caught smoking in a vehicle with a minor will be fined $100. The offense is not a pull-over offense, however, and law enforcers will have to rely on the law breaker to do something else, such as speeding, making an illegal turn, etc, before the person can be pulled over.

Apparently, a study by Harvard has shown that second hand smoke inside an inclosed space such as a car is nearly 10 times more detrimental than 2nd hand smoke in a much more open space, such as a house.

In addition to this law, it will be illegal to smoke in any enclosed work spaces (I don't know what they specifically mean by that), or within 25 feet of any playgrounds.

I realize this will rile the smokers out there who claim it's impeding on their rights to smoke. Personally, I'm a non-smoker who is firmly in the camp of, "You're impeding on my right NOT to smoke."

I don't mind smokers who smoke in their homes, or when people aren't standing right next to them. I hate smokers who purposly blow smoke in other people's faces. I think smoking is a nasty, disgusting, gross habit. I think smokers stink- metophorically, and physically. They don't realize they smell wretchedly, though, because A- they are used to the smell, and B- they've deadened their scent & taste recipticles.

Either way, I can see how this law is more of an infringment on our rights, governing what is or isn't allowed, but I have to think that it's in the best interest of children. While adults have the option of moving away from a smoker, children (especially the children OF smokers) don't have that option. And add to that the fact that children are still developing, smoke can be really harmful to them and their developing bodies.

I think it's selfish of a smoker to smoke around kids, period. In a car, in a house, outside- it's pure selfishness.