Industry News from Yes Insurance

A road safety group has urged the government to look into the possibility of banning smoking behind the wheel, it has been reported.

The Local Authority Road Safety Officers' Association will outline their case to Department for Transport officials within weeks, according to the Guardian.

While similar measures are being looked at in America, Germany and Australia, a conviction for the act in Britain may see drivers fined £60 and docked three licence penalty points, it added.

Action taken against drivers may also damage their car insurance policy when they next look to renew.

And Simon Ettinghausen, a spokesman for the body, has stated that, like using a mobile phone, smoking is a distraction for any driver.

"Driving is a complicated business, especially with the high volume of traffic motorists have to contend with these days," he said.

Such a measure may help reduce the number of road deaths, with the Department for Transport claiming the amount totalled 3,201 in 2005.

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