Drivers Who Purposefully Splash Pedestrians Could Face £5,000 Fine

All this rain we're having is leaving a lot of puddles by the side of the road, but motorists, it's not worth your while to try and have a bit of fun at the expense of pedestrians.

It might give you a laugh to drive right through and soak a load of people at a bus stop, but not only does that make you an arsehole, it could also cost you a whole heap of cash.

Yes, that's right, one moment of reckless fun could land you with a £5,000 ($6,550) fine if you are found to have splashed people by the side of the road deliberately.

The law is laid out in the Road Traffic Act (1988) in which it is stated that you can't drive 'without reasonable consideration for other persons'.

I'd say that giving someone by the side of the road an unexpected drenching because you think it's funny definitely falls into that category.

It then goes on to specifically mention 'driving through a puddle causing pedestrians to be splashed'.

The standard fine for this offence is £100 ($130), and three penalty points onto your licence. If the matter ends up in court, you can be liable for a fine of up to £5,000, however.

With that in mind, it's probably best to just not be a dick and try to drive around puddles if you can.

A road safety spokesperson for the RAC, Pete Williams, 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.

"This is a take it or leave it offer for the motorist if they accept that they have committed the offence.

He added: "If, however, they refuse then they will face a magistrate who could impose a fine up to £5,000, although the maximum is very unlikely.

"In such a case the fine would be appropriate to the level of distress and inconvenience caused and would hopefully send a clear message that inconsiderate and potentially aggressive driving is simply not acceptable.

"Drivers have a duty to show respect and care for their fellow road users and pedestrians."

Aye, and that duty involves not wilfully being a dick to pedestrians, so don't do it.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, News, Driving

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a freelance journalist and LADbible contributor. He graduated from University of London with a BA in Philosophy before studying for a Masters in Journalism at the University of Salford. He has previously written for the M.E.N Group as well as working for several top professional sports clubs. Contact him on [email protected]

@TPWagwim