A new study finds that communities that have banned smoking in businesses, including bars and restaurants, have seen an upswing in drunk driving accidents.
The study found that, on average, in communities with smoking bans there has been a nearly 12 percent rise in the number of drinking-related accidents.
University of Wisconsin researchers say that instead of heading to their local bar for a drink and a smoke, smokers are venturing farther away from home in search of a place where they can light up.
Nonetheless, study authors Scott Adams and Chad Cotti say the increase in drunk driving should be weighed against the "potential positive health impacts'' from smoking bans, French news agency AFP reported.
Click here to read more on this study published in the Journal of Public Economics.
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