The weather really has taken a turn recently, with Britain being hit by storm Freya and storm Gareth.
Rain, wind and hail have battered the nation, with many areas being hit by flood alerts.
It has been particularly bad where I live, with the river bursting the bank, meaning I never want to leave the house but alas, I have to go outside.
As if it wasn’t bad enough walking in the atrocious weather, some drivers feel the need to race through a puddle, splashing me and other pedestrians, leaving us sodden.
It is infuriating, and I will never understand why these wankers think it is amusing to do so.
However, they may not be laughing for long as motorists could face a fine of up to £5,000 if they are caught.
PexelsAccording to the RAC, under section three of the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is illegal to drive ‘without reasonable consideration for other persons’, which means no splashing pedestrians.
If you are found guilty of this, you will likely be hit with a £100 fixed penalty notice and three penalty points.
However, if the motorist is deemed to be driving in a manner that ‘amounts to a clear act of incompetence, selfishness, impatience, and aggressiveness’, they will a higher fine, which can reach the £5,000 mark.
Also, if the driver fails to pay the £100 fixed penalty or refuse the penalty notice, they could also face the maximum fine if taken to court.
Road safety spokesman Pete Williams reminded motorists of this, calling on them to be aware of other road users and pedestrians.
He said:
Anyone unfortunate enough to have suffered a drenching by an inconsiderate motorist splashing them when driving through a puddle would probably welcome a sizeable financial penalty for the driver.
Since 2013 careless driving can be dealt with by a Fixed Penalty Notice with a £100 fine and three penalty points.
If, however, they refuse [the notice] then they will face a magistrate who could impose a fine up to £5,000, although the maximum is very unlikely.
On top of the fine, motorists can also be hit with a public order offence.
Although Williams says both the hefty fine and public order offence is unlikely, he wants to send a message out to drivers that the behaviour is just not acceptable.
GettyMotorists can also be fined for driving with undipped headlights which can dazzle others, and braking or driving slowly without good cause.
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