Letter: Outlaw smoking with kids in car
Smoking cigarette. Credit: iStock
The recent case of Patricia Krentcil, the mother accused of causing skin burns on her daughter by taking her into a tanning booth ["Mom denies tanning girl," News, May 3] demonstrates the government's intent to enforce rules and regulations involving the health and well-being of minors.
New Jersey's case is based on the fact that ultraviolet rays in tanning salons are carcinogenic. So it seems to me that regulations should be passed making it a crime to smoke tobacco, a carcinogen, while driving a vehicle with a child inside.
I am certainly not an advocate of tanning salons. However, the government should be consistent in its regulations of health concerns. Instances of mothers smoking while driving in cars with their children seem to be more prevalent than children in tanning salons. Step up, legislators!
Linda Hartman, East Northport
