ULPT: Sick of smokers in drive-thrus
Posted by Altruistic-machinery@reddit | UnethicalLifeProTips | View on Reddit | 32 comments
Hi, I’m not sure if it’s even legal or not but lately have been noticing an exorbitant amount of people smoking in drive-thrus near me. I live in Michigan (mentioning for the sake of state laws/ordinances) and know that it’s illegal to smoke indoors except a handful of “designated” locations. Yesterday was the last straw for me to post this, I was in a pharmacy (!!!!) drive-thru with my windows rolled down for (for me and for the dogs) and someone behind me smoked cigarettes the whole time, of course blowing directly into and around my car while we waited. There were probably 5 cars in front of us so it was a long wait, I even tried to “subtly” hint by moving forward and waiting until they moved and then inching forward a bit more to get away from them, but they didn’t get it and kept moving up every time I did. I also have health conditions that are negatively affected by cigarette smoke, already had a headache at the time and truthfully was really just not in the mood for this shit, not that I am ever keen on this but didn’t want to potentially cause a big scene with whoever the offender was either. I understand that we all have life stressors and have different methods of dealing with them, but is there some kind of passive-aggressive-but-not-too-aggressive solution(s) that I can employ to quietly shut this down when it happens? It can be as ethical or unethical (or annoying/bothersome) as you like, but preferably not escalating the situation if you can help it. And before people come after me for being a “snowflake” and tell me to just roll my windows up, save it because that’s not the point of what I’m getting at here. Thanks everyone!
Actual_Doughnut9248@reddit
Get out and piss on their cigarette to put it out
Altruistic-machinery@reddit (OP)
Probably the most useful response I’ve gotten so far, however I sadly do not possess the optimal “equipment” to make this a feasible reality. Thanks though!
Actual_Doughnut9248@reddit
You don’t have a funnel and a hose?
Altruistic-machinery@reddit (OP)
I may have to get one now that you mention it
DegenerateOnCross@reddit
Roll your windows up snoflake
Altruistic-machinery@reddit (OP)
Found the smoker! Thank you for your vital contribution
i_amnotunique@reddit
I've never smoked and I agree with everyone saying to roll your windows up. They're not responsible for knowing you have a condition
Altruistic-machinery@reddit (OP)
They have the right to smoke, why do I—and the people working the drive-thrus, the surrounding cars and people in the area—not also have the right to breathe clean air? In a public place where smoking indoors (and in many cases, within a set amount of feet from doors) is already illegal? If they’re not responsible for knowing I have a condition (which they aren’t, but why do I need to have a condition to have rights?), why am I responsible for accepting and being subjected to their life choices while also just existing in the world? To summarize: do you have constructive tips or information to share or just wanting to vent/discuss sociological issues?
worthlessredditor273@reddit
You must tolerate the freedoms of others that you dislike in order for them to tolerate your freedoms that they dislike. They have a right to sit in their vehicle and smoke just like you have the right to roll your window up while you're waiting. No one is forcing you to inhale it, so why would you force them to stop when they are in the sanctity of their own vehicle? I hate tobacco smoke. My parents smoked throughout my whole childhood, and it would always set off my asthma. Yet, I would never aim to deprive someone of their right to smoke inside their own property.
i_amnotunique@reddit
Lol do you even see what's happening? We are trying to get you to do something (see the errors in your ways), and you are relenting. Do you see how we are getting no where with you?
You are trying to get these smokers to see the errors in their ways. Maybe now, from your own experience here, can foresee the response you will get.
Altruistic-machinery@reddit (OP)
I don’t care if they do or don’t see the errors in their ways, that’s not my business and was never the point of this post. I am here asking for help/advice, no more no less. People are taking it personally and not providing relevant feedback and I’m responding accordingly. I don’t care that you or whoever smokes, but if there’s a courteous or easy way to handle the scenario I’m explaining that doesn’t ruffle anyone’s feathers I’m more than happy to hear it
lsdlasertag@reddit
Because your in a DRIVE thru. But even still. This is like saying your shared garage at apartment building always smells like exhaust
Altruistic-machinery@reddit (OP)
They have the right to smoke, why do I—and the people working the drive-thrus, the surrounding cars and people in the area—not also have the right to breathe clean air? In a public place where smoking indoors (and in many cases, within a set amount of feet from doors) is already illegal?
If they’re not responsible for knowing I have a condition (which they aren’t, but why do I need to have a condition to have rights?), why am I responsible for accepting and being subjected to their life choices while also just existing in the world?
usarmyav@reddit
Jesus all those words just to complain about a little smoke? Get some real problems
Altruistic-machinery@reddit (OP)
Do you smoke?
usarmyav@reddit
Do you care?
Altruistic-machinery@reddit (OP)
That’s a yes
usarmyav@reddit
It’s not a yes or a no. It’s better than coming to strangers online to complain about something you can’t fix. Let them live their lives. Roll up your window or maybe go someplace that you’re all alone and happy
Altruistic-machinery@reddit (OP)
Not coming to complain, asking for solutions. On that note, I once again will ask: do you have a solution?
sodacz@reddit
how often are you eating fast food for this to bother u
Altruistic-machinery@reddit (OP)
Clearly stated “pharmacy” drive-thru but believe it or not there are many things that can be obtained through a drive-thru these days
sodacz@reddit
cmon we all know ur mostly at fast food drive thrus
Altruistic-machinery@reddit (OP)
Not true, do you have a solution or are you just looking to talk to someone?
sodacz@reddit
u could write another post complaining about people typing things on reddit
Altruistic-machinery@reddit (OP)
And you could write a post about how to comment several times without providing any sort of meaningful feedback or useful information while making incorrect assumptions and sharing opinions about things you know nothing about. Thanks again!
reficulmi@reddit
I hate people with their stinkin ass tobacco, too.
But, unfortunately, when you're out in the world it's just something you have to deal with. Be thankful that you'll he able to drive away soon, grateful that you aren't addicted to smoking yourself, and so on.
If you want to do something, though, it's pretty funny to just start aggressively and loudly coughing. If they notice/say anything, you can ham it up, say things like "No no it's AHACHHHH okay I actually AHECKKK think smoking is cool ACHHHHHH"
Altruistic-machinery@reddit (OP)
I hate that that’s really the best “solution” or tool we have though is to “just deal with it, it’ll be over soon”. I am entitled to breathe clean air just as much as anyone is allowed to smoke. I’m not even passing judgment in this post, purely in search of remedies (even if it’s things I have to do, not that the smoker would have to do) but people are acting like I attacked their first born child lol. “Freedom” is certainly a fickle bitch, isn’t it?
i_amnotunique@reddit
You want something for you to do, which is to roll up your windows. You cannot control a random member of the public.
Intelligent_Judge407@reddit
Then get your lazy ass up and just walk into the store man. Nobody is smoking there.
Altruistic-machinery@reddit (OP)
Did it ever occur to you that not everyone has the same abilities? I’m gonna have to go with no based on your response. Still doesn’t answer my question either, so thanks for nothing! lol
rudyevans@reddit
In Michigan, apparently it’s smoke free because “it’s illegal to smoke free”, try going inside next time.
Ok_Muffin_925@reddit
but you know rolling up your windows and turning on the ac would solve it, don't you?