Drivers reminded of little recognized moist climate offence that might price them £5k
Heavy rain has flooded swathes of the UK this week and there’s no sign of it stopping. New weather warnings have been issued in light of more expected downpours.
Yellow warnings have been issued across places in England and Wales excluding places, such as, North Wales, parts of the West Midlands and the North West between 5pm this Thursday and 10am on Friday.
The Met Office has warned: “A period of heavy and persistent rain is expected to affect parts of northern England and north Midlands during much of Thursday.”
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“Lightning and strong, gust gusty winds” are also expected and once again “There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep flood water causing danger to life.”
(Image: Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock)
In light of these disruptions, drivers are being advised to drive carefully – but not for the reasons you might think.
Private number plate supplier, Regtransfers, have revealed that the majority of UK drivers are not aware of the potential fine they could receive by deliberately splashing pedestrians whilst driving.
Researchers say more than 16 million people were soaked by a passing car in the year of 2023 alone and – let’s be honest – we have all been in that situation at least once in our lives.
Under section three of the Road Safety Act 1988, splashing someone on purpose is considered an offence, due to it being seen as driving “Without reasonable consideration for other persons.”
In the majority of cases, drivers will face a fixed penalty notice of £100. However, if the fine is not paid it could increase to a £5,000 maximum if taken to court and the driver is seen to be acting with “incompetence, selfishness, impatience and aggressiveness.”
(Image: PA)
Obviously, moral reasons – such as splashing pedestrians – are not the only reason people should exercise caution whilst driving through deep puddles.
Regtransfers CEO, Mark Trimbee, warns of the very serious potential risks of driving through deep puddles.
“Aside from the inconvenience you may cause to those on the side of the road, driving at speed in wet weather increases the risk of hydroplaning, which can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and potentially a nasty accident.”
“We’d like to think no one would splash a pedestrian, but it’s best to err on the side of caution when driving in wet weather. Always check surroundings and drive at an appropriate speed so as not to splash anyone.”
