-Authored by Randi Sprintis
There are very few people who limit their vaping while they’re driving. In fact, most people drive and vape at the same time. It’s a very natural habit, especially for those who used to be smokers. Many people use their commute time to relax and vape a bit on the way to and from work, making sitting in traffic a little less excruciating. However, what should a vaper know about vaping and driving? Are there laws against it? Is it safe? It’s important to examine both sides of this issue. First, are you potentially putting yourself at risk when vaping and driving? Second, are there penalties for vaping and driving? Let’s explore.
Safety Risks
The first item of business when examining the world of vaping whilst driving is your safety. As the saying goes, safety first. There are a few different ways you can be putting yourself in dangerous situations if you vape and drive.
Obstructing Your View
After conducting some research and reviewing vaping discussion boards and forums, we realized that everyone usually mentions the same thing with regards to vaping and driving. It’s clear that impaired vision is the main concern. The one thing that sets vaping apart from smoking is the actual vape. The cloud of vape that surrounds you upon exhaling can obviously obstruct your view. Those who drive while vaping need to be incredibly careful when it comes to producing a vape cloud. If you choose to vape and drive, it’s important to aim your vape in another direction, away from your windshield and your center line of vision. It’s also recommended to remember to always keep your windows open while driving and vaping.
Distractions
Those who don’t use disposable devices know that box mods, sub-ohm tanks, and other vaping accessories require your attention when cleaning or changing out an e-liquid. This requires so much attention, that you should never ever, ever mess with your device while you’re driving. It’s not worth it. Regardless if you’re in a slow lane or parked at a red light, don’t tinker with your device when you’re behind the wheel.
Too Much Nicotine
If you’re new to vaping, you might be still trying to master the relationship between the number of hits you take and nicotine levels. If you’re still not sure how to manage your nicotine, it’s best to wait before you vape and drive until you’re more comfortable with your intake. Everyone has felt that dizzy spell and sense of nausea that happens almost immediately after a strong hit. This can definitely impair your driving ability. Never experiment with new e-juices or nicotine salts when you’re operating a vehicle.
Is Driving and Vaping Illegal?
There has been a lot of misinformation spreading around out there about the penalties for vaping and driving. Last year, a slew of articles around the US and the UK were released that stated vapers could possibly lose their license if they’re caught vaping while driving. These headlines were more than slightly misleading. If you’re just skimming the news, you’d probably assume that vaping and driving has been deemed illegal. That’s not necessarily the case. As of right now, vaping and driving is not illegal. However, just like any other activity, such as eating, texting, lighting a cigarette, or messing with your radio, while operating a vehicle is considered driving carelessly or recklessly. Basically, if you’re driving responsibly, and you also happen to be vaping, you’re fine. Vaping while driving is not illegal. If your vaping causes you to have impaired vision or distracts you, then you can be charged with reckless driving. Remember that driving in and of itself is a dangerous act. Everyone needs to be aware and alert when driving a car. If you choose to vape while driving, just remember to be safe and responsible.