Getting splashed by a car as it drives through a big puddle could potentially ruin your outfit – and indeed ruin your day.
However, the law is on your side and the driver of the car may eventually come off worse. They risk a fine, along with points on their driving licence.
Even so, one in three motorists admit to having splashed pedestrians while driving, either intentionally or by accident.
Making a splash
Comparison website Uswitch surveyed more than 1,200 drivers to discover how they behave when faced with roadside puddles.
One in 18 UK drivers from the sample said they had deliberately soaked a pedestrian by driving through standing water. Those aged between 17 and 24 were more likely to commit the offence, with 32 percent admitting to it.
Whilst almost half of those asked (45 percent) said they would feel remorse, this was not consistent across the UK. Scottish drivers were most remorseful, but those from Yorkshire were least likely to feel any guilt.
What does the law say?
Splashing pedestrians can be considered an offence of careless or inconsiderate driving, covered by section 3ZA of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Inconsiderate driving is the simpler offence to prove. It needs only to show that someone else has been inconvenienced by your actions.
It is used where ‘driving amounts to a clear act of incompetence, selfishness, impatience or aggressiveness, in addition to some other inconvenience’.
The Crown Prosecution Service also makes specific reference to ‘driving through a puddle causing pedestrians to be splashed’ in its guidance for road traffic offence charging decisions.
Money down the drain
Given 33 percent of pedestrians would report drivers to the police for splashing them, the risk of punishment is real. Smartphones, dashcams and roadside CCTV add to the potential for incriminating evidence, too.
For the simplest offences, drivers could be issued a £100 fine and have three penalty points added to their licence. However, a court could impose a fine of up to £5,000 in the most serious cases.
Having a motoring conviction also means insurers will see you as a greater risk, so your annual car insurance premium could increase.
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