I was listening to a radio phone-in programme about the new law on the use of mobile phones while driving.

It was mentioned that using a phone was more dangerous than being on the legal limit for alcohol.

I think that was the wrong message to send out, as some people may think it's OK to drive when just on the limit.

It's not OK to drink and drive as some people have a lower level of tolerance than others. For instance, if I were to have two glasses of wine (I never drink alcohol), I would be unsafe to drive. However, what should be banned, with the new smoking law, is smoking in cars. A car runs on highly combustible fuel, and smoking or lighting up in one is like driving an unexploded bomb. The other health and safety issues are endless.

To name but a few - lighting up means driving with one hand while eyes are on the lighter, and getting smoke in your eyes from the cigarette means impaired vision. Drop it in your lap and it could be very painful.

Driving while holding a cigarette means one hand and three fingers on the wheel and, if changing gear, only three fingers.

I have frequently seen people smoking in cars with children in the back. They have no choice but to breathe in the toxic fumes.

Flicking dog ends out of the window is also risky - they could end up back in the car and set fire to the rear seats or the children. If the dog ends do go out of the window, they could hit a pedestrian, a cyclist or a child in a pushchair. Surely this presents a very real danger that needs to be addressed?

I spoke to a police officer who was warning a motorist about using his phone (before the law came into force) and I said I thought the law should include smoking. He said he wished it did, as he agreed it was a danger.

S SMALL Carswell Court Abingdon