If you want to stop smoking then pack your bag and fly over to New Zealand.
While you are there New Zealand tobacco regulatory agencies will offer you the facts on smoking dangers and by 2017 you may have to leave the country to buy tobacco products.
New Zealand is one of the many countries incorporating smoking bans, and like Canada they are banning smoking in your car.
Under the Influence While Driving
In New Zealand now you could be fined for smoking while driving in your car.
If you are a cigarette smoker you may be asking, “Do they fine people if they are not driving, but just sitting by the side of the road with the car ignition off?”
Or you might even ask, “Is there a smoking airbag that will explode if I am smoking in my car?”
Seriously, it does matter if you smoke while driving. You are polluting the air around you with second hand smoke. Windows up, windows down; it doesn’t matter.
Passengers who are riding with you including young children are also subject to your second hand smoke that could lead to potential harm, like contributing to asthma and other bronchial ailments.
It’s a Matter of Respecting Others
Young children are more at risk for these ailment because their lungs, like the rest of their bodies are still in the development stage.
The casual cigarette puff near a crib where an infant may be sleeping has been known to result in Sudden Death Syndrome. Children’s lungs actually take in more air because they breathe faster. They are unable to turn away from the smoke and of course infants do not know how harmful the smoke from tobacco is or even what it is.
A child who is around an adult smoker might draw closer to the lite cigarette because it is something new and their curious minds want to investigate. They do not know any better.
Adults may not want to smell your second hand smoke either. Many people are polite and will tolerate the fumes when they accompany you walking, driving or riding in a car.
Also, think about it. Many friends will endure second hand smoke before offending you. You might ask how you will feel if in time they suddenly fall victim of an unexplained bronchial infection, cancer, and other ailments that are known to be smoker related.
New Zealand’s Stop Regulations and Initiative
If we take the initiative and see what’s working for the people of New Zealand, (we are not saying they are doing everything right) we might learn something. Their smoking rates are considerably lower than those in other countries, including the US.
Why not concentrate on more aggressive efforts to teach our kids not to smoke. How about becoming a good example by not smoking nor exposing our children to friends who still smoke. These three actions would be a good start.
Paying higher premiums for healthcare services could also be a major game changer to help smokers quit.
New Zealand is on the right track to help smoking statistics drop in their country, which will in turn improve the quality of life for everyone. In fact, on September 5th, 2007, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) in New Zealand called for the removal of tobacco from sale by 2017.
as a smoker I am not happy with what new Zealand is trying to do cause I believe that what they are talking about is taking away my freedom to decide what I put into my body yes I agree smoking is bad for you but so is drinking and yet they are not going to ban drinking so what is the different . More people die from drink drivers than by smoking . there is the government going to get its millions of dollars that it gets from the tobacco industry cause we pay enough in tax as it is
Hi Lee, I do understand how you could feel being a smoker who wants the freedom to smoke publicly is not being taken into consideration. But just as you feel your freedoms are effected realize by smoking you are also effecting the freedom of others who can not make a choices on how the second and third hand smoke may effect them. The dangers of second hand and third hand smoke are a very serious health concern. This issue goes far beyond limiting just your freedom. And yes, drinking is also a problem issue take damages lives. But infants, children, and pets do not ingest alcohol when a parent drinks. If a a child is sitting in a room (or even outdoors) where a smoker lights up they are subjected to hundreds of toxic chemicals. So broaden your understanding a little, and you will comprehend why you should take vast responsibility for the adverse health effects of how your smoking endangers others. Its a serious problem, and if you view posts on Ciggyfree.com on the topic of second and third hand smoke you will begin to broaden your knowledge and maybe open your mind and heart alittle further in consideration of how you are effecting others who have no choice.