This Issue:

Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Smoke-Free Cars

Drivers in Maine must follow a new rule when they hit the road. A law was passed on April 10. It is now illegal for a Maine driver to smoke in a car carrying a child under the age of 16.

When riding in cars with a smoker, kids are forced to breathe in unhealthy secondhand smoke. Health experts say that the harmful smoke is more concentrated in cars. It is stronger because it gets trapped in a small, closed area. "This bill is important because it will protect children's health," says Maine Governor John Baldacci.

Arkansas, California and Louisiana have already passed laws like this. Supporters see the laws as an important step. So far, most other antismoking laws ban the habit only in public spaces.

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