Motorists have been warned that splashing pedestrians by driving through puddles could result in a £100 fine and three penalty points on their licence
Motorists across the UK could be slapped with fines reaching £5,000 for careless driving during wet weather spells. Following a wet start to September, drivers have been urged not to soak pedestrians or face penalties of up to £5,000 plus licence points.
Car insurance experts at Quotezone are urging Britons to exercise caution during the wet conditions. Soaking pedestrians is actually banned under section three of the Road Traffic Act, 1988 – and is considered driving a vehicle ‘without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road’.
The Highway Code also mirrors this law by clearly stating that motorists must not drive ‘without due care and attention’ towards pedestrians.
Three penalty points on your licence
Drivers have been cautioned that drenching pedestrians by ploughing through puddles could lead to a £100 fine and three penalty points on their licence. In certain cases, fines can soar to as much as £5,000 for driving without proper consideration for other road users.
It’s vital for motorists to take care when roads are slippery or during harsh weather conditions, using dipped headlights, extending following distances and cutting speed. Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Drivers must be aware of the rules of the road to help keep everyone safe and avoid mishaps like splashing pedestrians, that could end up costing them thousands or adding points to their licence.”
He continued: “Motorists need to be extra careful when travelling in the rain, slowing down to allow more time to react to unknown situations and doubling the following distance from the vehicle in front to four seconds, as the vehicle will take longer to come to a stop on the wet road.”
Testing your brakes
Wilson also warned: “Keep in mind that puddles may be deeper than they initially seem so keep an eye out for standing water on the road edge and be ready to react – it’s also sensible to test your brakes regularly when there is surface water.”
He went on to advise: “If the car aquaplanes, it’s best to avoid hitting the brake and ease off the accelerator gently with the steering wheel held straight and steady until you can feel contact with the road again.”
Advice for driving in wet conditions
Ease off the accelerator and maintain distance
As soon as you need to engage your windscreen wipers, it’s also time to reduce your speed – remember, stopping distances can double on wet roads, so it’s crucial to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
Check your vehicle before setting off
Ensure your tyres are in good condition, with sufficient tread for optimal grip on the road. If you’re uncertain, use the 20p test – if you can see the outer band of the coin when inserted into the tyre tread, your tyres could be illegal and unsafe, necessitating a visit to a qualified professional.
Opt for dipped headlights
Instead of using full beam, switch to dipped headlights when driving in rainy conditions. This will maximise visibility for both you and other road users.
Consider pedestrians
Particularly in built-up areas where rain reduces visibility, bear in mind that vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists may be harder to spot. Exercise extra caution when driving near them to avoid splashing or causing accidents, which could result in penalty points on your licence and a substantial fine.
Activate the air conditioning
Switching on the air con while driving in damp conditions can help prevent the windows from fogging up due to condensation. If your windows become obscured, you could face charges for failing to have a clear view of the road, leading to a fine of up to £1000 and three penalty points.