I HAVE said for some time that smoking while driving a motor vehicle should not be allowed (Letters, November 18). Below I give two reasons why.

The first incident concerns myself. I was on my way on holiday with my family. My wife lit me a cigarette and placed it in my mouth.

I got hold of it between two fingers intending to remove it from my mouth, but it stuck to my lower lip, my fingers slid down the cigarette to the lit end, causing a severe burn.

The shock and pain caused me to let go of the steering wheel. My vehicle zig-zagged but I managed to regain control.

I could have killed my family and from that day on I have never smoked again when driving.

The second incident occurred at The Headrow in Leeds. I was walking on the pavement facing the traffic when the ashtray on the dashboard of an approaching car burst into flames. The driver stopped, jumped out of the car with the flaming ashtray, emptying the contents of sweet wrappers on to the road. He had stubbed out a cigarette and ignited the rubbish.

Both incidents could have threatened life. The sooner legislation is put into effect barring smoking while driving, the better and safer for all.

D Scorgie, Hanover Court, Haxby, York.