BERLIN, May 4 (UPI) -- Some German politicians have called for legislation that would ban motorists from smoking behind the wheel, newspaper Deutsche Welle reported Wednesday.
"The dangers of causing an accident rise drastically when you smoke and drive," said Social Democrat Peter Danckert. "I want a complete ban on smoking for drivers."
Danckert's calls were joined by several politicians on the other side of the political spectrum. Katherina Reiche of the conservative Christian Democrats said she would welcome a smokeless driving law. She said parliament already passed a law banning drivers from using cell phones, and many politicians want similar legislation involving smoking tobacco.
"Cigarettes are just as much of a distraction as cell phones," she said. "We urgently need a ban on them along with fines."
Gerlinde Kaupa, a health policy expert for the conservative Christian Social Union, expressed support for the proposal, as did the road safety organization Traffic Watch.
However, Germany's transport ministry has rejected the idea.
"There is no scientific proof that smoking drastically increases the risk of having an accident," said a ministry spokeswoman. She said such legislation would be a case of "overregulation."
