Bacon's Rebellion

Democracy Thrives in Sunlight

Ban Smoking, Increase Drunk Driving

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by

James A. Bacon
in

Since the Governor remains committed to the idea of banning smoking hither, tither and yon, it might be worth considering a very bad, unintended consequence (via Tyler Cowen):

A rigorous statistical examination has found that smoking bans increase drunken-driving fatalities. One might expect that a ban on smoking in bars would deter some people from showing up, thereby reducing the number of people driving home drunk. But jurisdictions with smoking bans often border jurisdictions without bans, and some bars may skirt the ban, so that smokers can bypass the ban with extra driving. There is also a large overlap between the smoker and alcoholic populations, which would exacerbate the danger from extra driving. The authors estimate that smoking bans increase fatal drunken-driving accidents by about 13 percent, or about 2.5 such accidents per year for a typical county.

A statewide ban might skirt some of the problem, except that it might make the Key Bridge more of a death trap than it is now. Almost sounds like a job for new and improved abusive driver fees (Dave Albo, call your office!).

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  1. John Athayde Avatar
    John Athayde

    Considering that DC already has a smoking ban, a ban on both sides of the river would theoretically reduce that type of traffic. I’d be interested to look at the ban in a place like Los Angeles, where one can’t simply drive to another smoking jurisdiction easily.

  2. Neil Haner Avatar
    Neil Haner

    If this theory holds true, though, it gives even more justification to a statewide ban. More and more localities continue to investigate and legislate this issue, as evidenced here in Hampton Roads where Virginia Beach and Norfolk are leading the way. Throw in D.C. proper and a number of independent bar owners making this decision, and this possibility becomes an inevitability.

    The current locality by locality movement puts these drivers on the road to the nearest pro-smoking town (at least in the short term, until a majority of cities follows suit). But a statewide measure forces the smoker/drinker to settle for stepping outside for 5 minutes at his close-proximity neighborhood establishment.

  3. E M Risse Avatar
    E M Risse

    “Considering that DC already has a smoking ban, a ban on both sides of the river would theoretically reduce that type of traffic.”

    That about says it all.

    Why is the majority being painted as the bad guys for trying to improve health, safety and general welbeing.

    Has democracy eroded to the point that “rights” is a code word for the ability of a few who want to stick it to the majority?

    EMR

  4. Frank Avatar
    Frank

    “Has democracy eroded to the point that “rights” is a code word for the ability of a few who want to stick it to the majority?”

    No, democracy is eroding to the point where minority rights and wishes are no longer respected. Because of selfish people in the majority, people such as you’re self, who go to smoke free bars but still aren’t happy because you can’t stand the thought that I might be at another bar down the street from you smoking a cigarette. Shame on you! I am shocked that things have come to this. Ten years ago no one ever talked about smoking in bars, it wasn’t even an issue. I need to move.

  5. harry Avatar
    harry

    Bacons Rebellion or the Virginia Rebellion was an uprising in the Virginia Colony led by Nathaniel Bacon. It was the first rebellion in the American colonies in which discontented frontiersmen took part; a similar uprising in Maryland occurred later that year.
    =====================================
    Harry
    california dui

  6. taylor Avatar
    taylor

    Research has generated evidence that secondhand smoke causes the same problems as direct smoking,including lung cancer,and many more problems.
    —————-
    Taylor

    california dui

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