In a victory for children everywhere, Mom and Dad have been banned from smoking in cars when their children are along for a ride.

According to the Associated Press:

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday signed a bill that will make it an infraction to smoke in a vehicle if someone under age 18 is present. But the traffic stop would have to be made for another offense, such as speeding or an illegal turn, before the driver could be cited for smoking.

This is another fine example of a time when common sense doesn’t prevail and the law needs to step in. I can’t imagine how parents who smoke can be so selfish to do so in a car. Frankly, I can’t imagine being a parent and smoking at all - but it is your choice. However, if you are a parent who smokes, and you are smoking in the car, your home, or any enclosed space (even with an open window) and if you haven’t figured out that this is plain wrong, then this is one time the government has gotten it right.

Avoid the tickets. Protect your child’s health. Live longer. Just quit smoking already.

I do understand that it is not easy. I am going to talk with our parent education team to see if we can create an effective on line seminar to provide some help for parents who are dealing with a smoking addiction.

In the mean time, don’t want until January 1, 2008 to stop smoking when your kids are in the car. Stop it today.