The Government's top smoking adviser today called for a ban on drivers lighting up at the wheel.
Professor Robert West, an expert on tobacco addiction, warned that car passengers topped the "at risk" category for passive smoking dangers.
He said the public smoking ban had been successful but ministers must now take even tougher action to reduce deaths.
Professor West, who drew up the NHS blueprint for quit smoking treatments, told the Standard: "It may seem draconian but the Government should legislate against drivers who smoke.
"Not only is this a major cause of accidents but passengers are at huge risk of the effects of passive smoking.
"If you look at smoking in the car, the health impacts are huge."
His call for a car smoking ban comes ahead of a new government clampdown targeted at "macho" smokers.
On Monday, the department of health launches a campaign aimed at those who are reluctant to seek help from NHS services such as smoking cessation classes.
Tobacco is still the biggest single cause of death and illness in the UK.
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