Drivers have been advised to take it easy when travelling through puddles or risk expensive fines (Image: Getty)
The rent-to-own vehicle company has warned motorists of a lesser-known driving law that could see them when getting behind the wheel in .
Many parts of the UK have recently experienced , causing some stretches of road to be covered in puddles or, in some cases, completely .
As a result, Majid Ismailzada, Marketing Director at G&M Direct Hire, warned drivers against as they go past, which can result in fines and even more .
He explained: “Many drivers don’t realise that splashing pedestrians isn’t just discourteous – it’s illegal. Being aware of this can save you from hefty fines and legal trouble.
“Insurance companies view driving offences as indicators of risk. Staying compliant with traffic laws helps keep your insurance costs down.”
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Splashing a pedestrian on purpose can lead to a £5,000 fine and three penalty points (Image: Getty)
Whilst creating a large splash by driving quickly through a puddle can be entertaining for some, it can come with some particularly severe consequences.
Under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is against the law for motorists to purposefully splash pedestrians as they drive past.
This is considered as a form of careless and inconsiderate driving, and as a result, comes with a set of serious penalties.
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Driving too quickly through a puddle may also lead to water getting into the engine (Image: Getty)
In most cases, motorists who are accused of careless and inconsiderate driving after splashing a pedestrian can expect a fine of up to £5,000 and three points on their licence.
Declaring the penalty may also cause future insurance premiums to rise significantly, with many companies seeing the driver as a higher risk.
Moreover, in some cases, the offending driver may also be required to pay a dry cleaning bill for the pedestrian to wash the clothes that were soaked in the splash.
Whilst drivers can face significant penalties for splashing a pedestrian, they may also wish to think twice before travelling through a puddle at high speed when the coast is clear.
Since many modern vehicles feature an air intake that is quite low down, making a splash through a puddle can cause water to enter the engine, potentially destroying the powertrain.
It can also lead to motorists losing grip with the road surface, dramatically increasing the chances of causing an accident.