An Ol’ Broad’s Ramblings
Evil Triumphing
Study: Banning Smoking Increases Drunken Driving
Enacting city smoking bans appears to increase drunken driving, according to a new national study of arrests by Wisconsin researchers.
Fatal accidents involving alcohol increased after communities banned public smoking, the study to be released by the Journal of Public Economics found. The authors attributed the increase to people driving farther to drink, either to a place with an outdoor smoking area or a city without a ban.
“The increased miles driven by drivers who wish to smoke and drink offsets any reduction in driving from smokers choosing to stay home after a ban, resulting in increased alcohol-related accidents,” the study says.
The researchers, Scott Adams, of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Chad Cotti, now at the University of South Carolina, said they were surprised by the results.
“We thought we would see a reduction,” Adams said. “Our first thought was, ‘Throw it away, it must be wrong.’”
But it wasn’t, he said.
Obviously, common sense hasn’t been a factor in the frenzy to ban what should be a choice made by businesses.
Smoke Free Wisconsin Executive Director Maureen Busalacchi objected to linking the increase in accidents to smoking bans, saying people may travel to drink for many reasons.
“How in the world you would figure out where people are traveling unless you are interviewing them?” she asked.
Well, let’s see. You have some folks who want to go out to have a couple of belts, enjoy the company of friends, and enjoy their cigarettes while indulging in their favorite adult beverages. Hmmm…. The closest bar where they are able to enjoy such indulgences is 15 miles away. Their former favorite haunt has been turned into a fun free establishment thanks to the “we know what’s best for you nannies”.
The results were similar nationwide, except in New England, which has many smoking bans, Adams said. A well-enforced national smoking ban would get rid of the drunken driving increases because people would have no reason to travel to drink, he said.
And it’s a whole lot cheaper to go to the liquor store, stock up on the above mentioned adult beverages, and have the friendly gathering in your own home. Make sure to have plenty of ashtrays on hand. Oh, and don’t forgot to apologize to your former local haunts, wish them well their future endeavors, since they’ll be out of business in the not too distant future. Also, don’t forget that since so many tax dollars will be lost from the lack of sales, your local “representatives” will be whining there isn’t enough money, and therefore, MUST raise your taxes……AGAIN!
The study did not include Wisconsin because Appleton and its ban covered too small an area and data collection started before Madison banned smoking in 2005, Adams said.
Fitchburg’s smoking ban started April 1, and Eau Claire’s will start July 1. Marshfield residents approved a ban Tuesday that will become law within 30 days.
And why? Because their are too many people in Wisconsin who are afraid to stand up again the small, but very vocal, nannies. You say, well, I don’t smoke, it doesn’t affect me. Alas, it DOES affect you. If you don’t stand up now, what will be the next adult vice, or anything that is enjoyable, they’ll come after, with all the vigor of a bunch of rabid raccoons!
There is one exception. A group of people who are actually FIGHTING BACK! Visit them on a regular basis to find out what is happening next. Ban the Ban!
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” - Edmund Burke
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First off, thank you for mentioning us! I’m so happy that you can make use of us and your support means a lot.
Second, great article
It’s good to see some common sense in this mad state we live in. Keep up the good fight!
You do realize that common sense is actually on the slab, right? sigh…
Y’all do a great job, and I really think more people should check y’all out! It just chaps my hide that the few are running the lives of many, when they can’t even put their own house in order! (insert appropriate four lettered style word here)
You hit that one right on the head. I bet that the people who are the most active in trying to micromanage everybody else’s lives are the same people whose personal lives are in shambles and can’t manage to function in day to day activities.
And yes, it is a dismal thought that common sense seems to be going the way of the dodo
Oh, no doubt about it. That whole beam and speck thing comes to mind.