People who throw cigarette butts out of vehicle windows are worse than careless.
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They are at best littering. Throwing the butt out the window instead of putting it in an ashtray inside the vehicle is a deliberate act, like throwing candy wrapper or such out – but with the added problem of fire risk.
READ ALSO: Langford fire douses six fires in two days – five from cigarette butts
People smoking in cars often hold the butt outside a window, so the smoke pollutes nearby drivers.
In my opinion ignorance of fire risk should be disqualifying for holding a driver’s licence, as safety around gasoline containers and plumbing should be known.
You should remember cases of cigarette butts being thrown at flag personnel and into a vehicle as road rage.
READ ALSO: Road rage victim burned by lit cigarette
The lack of an ashtray is not an excuse, they can be retrofitted. A butt bucket or a tall glass of water could fit in a cup-holder.
Or, better yet, stop the filthy, expensive habit.
Keith Sketchley
Saanich