Virginia: Smoking cigarettes with kids in cars may become illegal

Drivers in Virginia could soon be fined for smoking cigarettes in cars with children under the age of eight if House Bill 1348 is passed.

Brenda Reynolds tells 47 ABC she has smoked all her life and has three kids and a grandchild. She continues, “I have never smoked in my house around them or in my car. I’m all for it.”

Some opponents of the legislation like Edgar Lykes think the state government is trying to control too much.

Lykes goes on, “Yeah I figure it’s your own vehicle. You should be able to do what you want to do in it.”

Under the legislation, motorists couldn’t be pulled over for smoking in cars with kids. However, if they’re pulled over for something else and are caught in the act, they’d get slapped with a $100 fine.

The bill’s sponsors want to protect the health of children. Ashley Gregory is the senior health educator for the Tobacco Use and Control Program through the Virginia Health Department. She says second hand smoke can present huge health risks for children, especially those under the age of eight.

Gregory says, “It stunts the lung development. With infants and children that are still developing, it actually stunts their brain growth because nicotine has an adverse effect on them. Children that have asthma or bronchitis, second hand smoke can exacerbate attacks for them.”  

The issues don’t stop there. Gregory says children exposed to second hand smoke also have more frequent visits to the hospital. She says they also have a higher chance of ear infections and smoking themselves at a later age. She has words for parents who think it isn’t a big deal… “Consider the health of your child.”

The bill has been given preliminary approval by the Virginia House of Delegates. A full vote is expected on Friday.