Vaping while driving may seem more convenient and less harmful than smoking, but it carries its own set of concerns. From reduced visibility to lingering odours that can lower a car’s resale value, the effects are more significant than they appear. Exercising caution when vaping behind the wheel is essential not only for road safety but also for preserving the overall condition of the vehicle.
Risks of Vaping in a Car
Vaping or smoking inside a car is injurious in multiple ways and requires caution to avoid accidents, safeguard the vehicle’s interior and ensure the safety of others. Here are some of the key reasons why taking precautions is necessary when vaping while driving.
Create Visibility Issues
Vapes or e-cigarettes create heavy clouds by burning an e-liquid. These clouds are aerosols of tiny droplets that are denser, creating visibility issues while driving. That said, ventilation is ideal because vaping while the AC is turned on can create fog on the car’s windshield, affecting the visibility.
Trigger Battery Explosion
Vapes usually contain lithium-ion batteries, which are sensitive to temperature and physical damage. In serious conditions, the vape battery can explode, causing significant damage to the occupants.
Cause Distractions
Handling a vape can engage hands while driving, affecting steering control and causing distractions.
Affect Passenger Health
Vaping inside a car forces occupants to secondhand inhalation of nicotine, aerosols and ultrafine particles that can damage lungs and impact their overall health.
Release Odour and Residue
The aerosols released from vapes contain multiple elements, like vegetable glycerin and nicotine. Over time, these elements create a thin film on the dashboard, seats and other interior parts, making the interior look more grimy.
The accumulation of these compounds on the cabin air filter affects the air quality. Whereas the odour and residue of the vape also affect the car’s resale value.
Is It Legal to Vape While Driving a Vehicle?
Under Federal Law No. (15) of 2009, smoking inside a vehicle with a child under the age of 12 is strictly prohibited in the UAE. Besides, it is also forbidden to smoke while driving, leading to a penalty of up to AED 800 and four black points. Vaping or e-cigarettes also falls under the distracted driving category, attracting additional fines and black points.
FAQs
Does vaping leave a smell inside the car?
Yes, vaping can leave a lingering odour and residue that settles on upholstery and surfaces over time.
Are there penalties for vaping with children in the car?
Yes, the UAE law prohibits smoking in a vehicle with a child under 12, leading to fines up to AED 5,000.
How to remove vape residue from car windows?
The vape residue can be removed using a quality glass cleaner with microfibre cloths; stubborn film may require vinegar-based solutions or a proper car interior detailing.
This is all about the risk of vaping while driving in the UAE. Vaping poses risks beyond health and road safety, as it can also damage the vehicle’s interior. The build-up of nicotine and other residues may lower the car’s resale value over time. For those considering a used car for sale in the UAE, it is important to check that the vehicle has been well-maintained and shows no signs of smoke-related damage.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog to learn more about the causes of distracted driving.
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