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12:00 AM 5th October 2024
cars

Splashing Pedestrians Could Cost You Up To £5,000

Photo by Roman Zipp on Unsplash
Photo by Roman Zipp on Unsplash
As severe flooding sweeps across Britain, drivers are facing not only treacherous road conditions but also the risk of breaking little-known traffic laws.

With heavy rainfall causing widespread disruption, cinch, a UK online used car retailer, is shedding light on often overlooked driving regulations that are particularly relevant during these wet conditions and can cost drivers up to £5,000.

Splashing pedestrians

Rainy days are no surprise in the UK, and we regularly see puddles forming on our roads. But while avoiding pools of water can be tricky, splashing pedestrians – maliciously or not – is an offence.

Under section three of the Road Traffic Act 1988, splashing a passer-by with your car amounts to careless and inconsiderate driving. If caught by the police, you can expect to receive at least a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence. The maximum fine is £5,000.

Test brakes after driving through water

On the topic of wet conditions, rule 121 of the Highway Code says that drivers should test their brakes after driving through puddles or standing water.

In fact, water can hinder the effectiveness of your brakes, so it’s always worth checking that they’re working properly. If they’re not, apply light pressure to the pedal as you drive slowly to dry out your brakes.

Information supplied by cinch