Smoking while driving **can interfere with driving and cause an accident** for several reasons:

- **Distraction:** When searching for and lighting a cigarette, the driver diverts their attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
- **Use of one hand:** Holding a cigarette means one hand is occupied, which limits the ability to maneuver the vehicle properly.
- **Reduced visibility:** Cigarette smoke can hinder the view of the road, signs, and other vehicles, similar to driving in foggy or smoky conditions.

- **Air quality:** Smoke inside the car worsens air quality, which can negatively affect the driver's abilities.

For these reasons, smoking at the wheel is a behavior that can interfere with driving and increase the risk of accidents.