1. 1 Smokefree private cars: Attitudes and arguments March 2009, Mumbai George Thomson, George Thomson, Nick Wilson, Dylan Tapp Department of Public Health, Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington University of Otago, Wellington

2. 2 Introduction Dangers of smoking in cars – higher fine particulate levels than smoky bars Dangers of smoking in cars – higher fine particulate levels than smoky bars 11+ state/province jurisdictions that ban smoking in private vehicles containing kids 11+ state/province jurisdictions that ban smoking in private vehicles containing kids

3. 3 Need for intervention: exposure 22-26% of adults exposed to SHS in cars (Canada, NZ 2003-7) 22-26% of adults exposed to SHS in cars (Canada, NZ 2003-7) Up to 48% of students in some US states (2002-6) Up to 48% of students in some US states (2002-6) Over 30% of smokers smoke when others are in their car, in 7 European countries (Austria, Spain, Cyprus, Ireland, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania) Over 30% of smokers smoke when others are in their car, in 7 European countries (Austria, Spain, Cyprus, Ireland, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania)

4. 4 Experience and alternatives South Australia: In first year of smokefree car law (2007-8), only 125 fined, 38 cautioned, out of 222,000 drivers pulled over (< 1:1000). South Australia: In first year of smokefree car law (2007-8), only 125 fined, 38 cautioned, out of 222,000 drivers pulled over (< 1:1000). Social marketing campaigns for smokefree cars: Canada, NZ, NSW, Western Australia Social marketing campaigns for smokefree cars: Canada, NZ, NSW, Western Australia

5. 5Aim To review attitudes and arguments to smokefree private car laws To review attitudes and arguments to smokefree private car laws Method Method Attitudes: Medline, Google Scholar searches Attitudes: Medline, Google Scholar searches Arguments: Factiva search, interviews Arguments: Factiva search, interviews

6. 6 Results: Attitudes to smokefree car laws 15 studies found (1988-2008) 15 studies found (1988-2008) From Canada, UK, NZ, & 7 states and provinces in Australia and Nth America From Canada, UK, NZ, & 7 states and provinces in Australia and Nth America Support for smokefree car laws dependant on presence of children Support for smokefree car laws dependant on presence of children

7. 7 Results: Attitudes to smokefree car laws Increasing public and smoker support over time Increasing public and smoker support over time Very high public support (if children present) in 6 studies since 2005 (76% to 96%) Very high public support (if children present) in 6 studies since 2005 (76% to 96%) High support from smokers (if children present) in 5 studies since 2005 (77%+) High support from smokers (if children present) in 5 studies since 2005 (77%+)

8. 8 Arguments about smokefree cars ‘Invasion of privacy’/precedents (seatbelts, mobile phone bans) ‘Invasion of privacy’/precedents (seatbelts, mobile phone bans) ‘Social marketing more appropriate’ ‘Social marketing more appropriate’ ‘Not a high priority’ compared to other tobacco interventions ‘Not a high priority’ compared to other tobacco interventions

9. 9 Arguments for smokefree car laws Place of highest SHS hazard Place of highest SHS hazard For child related laws: For child related laws:  Children less able to avoid SHS than adults  Feasible, practical, smoker support  International treaty obligation (Convention on Rights of the Child)  Social marketing may not protect the most in need

10. 10 Conclusions Precedents for laws re cars with children Precedents for laws re cars with children High public support in some jurisdictions High public support in some jurisdictions Challenge: Laws to protect adults in cars Challenge: Laws to protect adults in cars

11. 11 Further information Thomson G, Wilson N. Public attitudes to laws for smokefree private vehicles: A brief review. Tob Control. 2008:Online publication, December 2008. Thomson G, Wilson N. Public attitudes to laws for smokefree private vehicles: A brief review. Tob Control. 2008:Online publication, December 2008. george.thomson@otago.ac.nz george.thomson@otago.ac.nz