Smokefree Cars: Not Just a Good Idea, It's the Law

Audience: State and local tobacco control professionals and volunteers will learn firsthand experiences from representatives from Maine and California on how to apply current findings regarding state laws mandating smokefree cars.  

Key Points: Smokefree car laws may increase voluntary smokefree car policies (even among those who are not required), smokefree home policies, and reduce exposure among youth. Voluntary smokefree car and home policies increased significantly between 2007 and 2010 in Maine.  A significant reduction among youth being in a car with someone who was smoking in the past 7 days was reported in California. Media campaigns to educate people about the harm from secondhand smoke exposure may support state laws by increasing smoking bans in homes and compliance in smokefree cars.  A population-based survey in Maine found differences based on confirmed awareness of the media campaign.  

Educational Experience: An overview of the literature will support the efficacy of smokefree cars laws, case studies on the passing of the smoke free car laws in Maine and California will be explained, examples of statewide promotion efforts though secondhand smoke mass media campaigns and government partnerships, including the Department of Motor Vehicles, will be described.  The presentation will conclude with evaluation methods and outcomes which include a population-based survey and secondary data sources with adults and youth.

Benefits: From development to promotion to implementation to evaluation, this presentation aims to provide take-home strategies to complement tobacco control programs and provide discussion among those dedicated to tobacco control.