We often see ashtrays full of cigarette butts in the cars of heavy smokers. Driving and smoking is old fashion but more and more drivers who are also vapers replace their out-of-date cigarettes with less harmful electronic nicotine delivery systems. This brings a new question to my mind: Can I vape while driving?
1. Why Do People Prefer Vaping to Smoking while Driving?
I think it is necessary to explain why people turn to disposable vapes and other types of e-cigarettes instead of cigarettes in every aspect of life, including driving.
(1) Vaping: A More Economical Way
The estimated average price of a pack of cigarettes is about $8. That of disposable vapes is a little higher but a disposable vape can deliver long-time nicotine hits and carries nicotine that is more potent and easier to absorb. Traditional cigarettes are outnumbered in terms of nicotine strength.
(2) Vaping is safer than smoking while driving
How will you dodge a truck when you have one smoking cigarette in your mouth? The choking and provoking smoke of a cigarette definitely distracts you from driving stably and safely. On the other hand, most fruit-flavor disposable vapes have milder and moderate tastes which are not irritant at all. Plus, there is no need for an ashtray or lighters.
2. Is Vaping While Driving Illegal in the US?
Above all, the legality of vaping while driving is not uniformly regulated at the federal level, which means whether it is legal or not depends on which state you live in.
Here are some states that have set relevant laws about e-cigarette use and distracted driving
In California, there are no specific regulations on vaping in your car. However, vaping while driving is no doubt defined as distracted driving. And of course, distracted driving is against the law.
3. Does Nicotine Impair Driving?
(1) Benefits of Nicotine
I'm convinced that this is a controversial topic but nicotine does exist for some reason. Nicotine does not get you high. Instead, it might enhance your cognition and make it easier for you to focus. That's why many drivers vape or smoke while driving. You can also check more details about the potential benefits of nicotine.
(2) Side Effects of Nicotine for Driving
Well for new vapers or vapers who just want to try a higher nicotine strength, the nicotine level might make them lightheaded while driving. The buzz and dizziness should fade away in a few minutes.
(3)Vaping leads to a DUI Charge?
DUI is short for Driving Under the Influence. Alcohol, Drugs, and other psychoactive substances. In the DUI laws, the substances are clearly listed, including alcohol and other controlled drugs.
Despite the psychoactive effects of nicotine, nicotine use does not cause a DUI charge.
In short, vaping does not impart motor skills, judgment, or reaction speed.
4. Dangers of Vape and Drive
Although the main active substances of an e-cigarette are considered a drug, vaping does pose more challenges in front of you if you insist on keeping vaping while you are driving a car.
- Blurred Vision: The chamber of your car will be filled with the vapor you produce. You can neither see through the vapor nor pull over and stop.
- Distracted Driving: You need to take one hand off the steering wheel and your eyes off the road to enjoy a few puffs. And the absence of mind on the road is extremely dangerous.
- Delayed Reaction Time: Nicotine is less impairing than alcohol. But it still delays your reaction time and you might not be able to make the right decision on time.
- Disposable Vape Explosion: Sometimes you just leave your vapes in the car. It is risky, especially in summer. All the combustible materials in your car could be lit by your malfunctional vape.
5. How to Deal/Cope with Nicotine Cravings
Nowadays, e-cigarettes have been the top choice of most ex-smokers to relieve their cravings for nicotine. However, vaping while driving could be risky. Other nicotine products might help this.
For example, nicotine pouches are good alternatives to disposable vapes. From time to time, we cannot have access to our vapes and we are not allowed to vape in restricted areas. As a result, we can use nicotine pouches instead.
(1) Peach Pineapple Mint Juice Head Nicotine Pouches
Peach Pineapple Mint is a mixed flavor of the wildness of sour and tangy pineapple and fresh, juicy peach. Juice Head is so good at producing the best flavors of e-liquid. It predominates in the nicotine pouch market too.
(2) ZYN Coffee Nicotine Pouches
We all need a cup of coffee to start a day. These coffee-flavored pouches are unique and flawlessly duplicate the bitterness and fragrance of coffee. They are refreshing and tasty as well.
Nicotine pouches are portable and unnoticeable. You can put one in your mouth and it can last for a long period. Plus, there are also multiple options for flavors. Pouches can satisfy most of your needs except making big old clouds.
6. Summary
Although vaping and driving are not strictly prohibited, for your sake you had better avoid such risky behaviors. If you feel like nicotine, find a place and pull over to enjoy a few puffs. As usual, hope you guys enjoy vaping and I will meet you again next week.
