Motorists across the UK are being warned they could face a substantial fine and penalty points on their licence for a common wet weather driving mistake. The alert comes as heavy rain continues to lash parts of the country, with active Met Office weather warnings.
Weather Warnings and Legal Risks
Fire services have issued a stark reminder to drivers as significant rainfall hits numerous regions. The Met Office has placed parts of South Wales under an amber weather warning for rain until 9pm on December 15. Meanwhile, a yellow rain warning covers major cities including Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Durham, Swansea, Cardiff, Plymouth, and Exeter until 3am on December 16.
Beyond the general advice to avoid non-essential journeys, authorities are highlighting a specific legal risk. Driving 'without due care and attention' – which includes deliberately or carelessly splashing pedestrians – is a prosecutable offence.
Substantial Penalties for Soaking Pedestrians
The consequences for drenching pedestrians can be severe. According to the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, police can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100 alongside three penalty points on the driver's licence.
If the matter is escalated to court, the potential punishment increases dramatically. Motorists could be hit with a fine of up to £5,000 and receive as many as nine penalty points. The final penalty often depends on the distress and inconvenience caused to the victim.
How to Drive Safely and Avoid a Fine
Staying on the right side of the law and showing consideration for others is straightforward. Follow these key guidelines when encountering standing water on the roads:
- Slow down and assess: Before hitting a puddle, reduce your speed and see if you can safely avoid it altogether.
- Proceed with caution: If you must drive through the water, do so at a very slow, controlled pace. This dramatically reduces the amount of spray thrown onto pavements.
- Test your brakes: After passing through even a shallow puddle, gently test your brakes when safe to do so. Water can reduce their effectiveness temporarily.
The core message from emergency services is clear: driving with reasonable consideration for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, is not just courteous – it's a legal requirement that carries significant financial and licensing penalties if ignored.
