Motorists across the UK are being urged to think twice about how they drive as wet weather sweeps in, with experts cautioning that some of the most routine habits behind the wheel could prove extremely costly.
The weather in North East England today (August 20) is forecast to be wet and showery with some thundery showers in certain areas, as the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning across parts of the UK. Car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk has issued guidance highlighting the financial and legal risks of driving in rainy conditions, warning that fines of up to £5,000 could be handed to those who fall foul of the rules.
Risks of wet weather driving
Wet conditions create numerous potential dangers for road users, including poor visibility, waterlogged carriageways and the risk of drenching pedestrians. The insurance specialists also warn that should drivers opt to continue their journey despite poor visibility and an incident occurs, their insurance company may decline to settle any claim.
Flooded carriageways can also obscure potholes from view, and with more than nine out of 10 drivers confessing to having steered around potholes to prevent damage to their vehicle, it's vital to understand how to tackle them safely.
Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: "Rainy conditions dramatically increase the risk of costly driving errors, and motorists need to be aware of the safest ways to navigate these dangerous elements."
"Motorists could face hefty fines and penalty points for making common wet weather mistakes, including splashing pedestrians, driving on flooded roads and swerving to avoid potholes."
Pothole hazards and penalties
"Potholes are a key hazard to be aware of as the weather deteriorates. The battle against potholes can be felt around the country, and they are often worse after periods of rainy weather. Particularly wet weather can even disguise potholes, so they become even more of a danger to motorists," Wilson added.
"However, many drivers may be unaware that their attempts to avoid car damage from dangerous potholes could see them penalised, as swerving potholes could be viewed as driving without due care and attention."
He added: "Slowing down, allowing at least twice the normal stopping distance from the car in front, waiting for conditions to improve, or avoiding non-essential journeys altogether, could help drivers protect their safety, their finances and other road users."
Common mistakes and penalties
Around 93% of motorists have confessed to swerving around a pothole to prevent damage to their vehicle, yet these drivers could actually face penalties for doing so - with fines reaching up to £2,500 if their manoeuvres to dodge pothole damage are deemed as driving without due care and attention.
During heavy rainfall, spray from other vehicles can significantly reduce visibility. Dipped headlights are strongly advised in torrential rain to improve visibility. Drivers should also ensure their windscreen isn't misting up on the inside, as failing to maintain a clear view of the road could result in fines and penalty points.
Flooded roads present considerable dangers for motorists, including the risk of losing control, stalling or causing serious engine damage. Even seemingly shallow stretches of water can hide hazardous defects such as potholes, so drivers are urged to turn back and seek an alternative route wherever possible. The majority of car insurance policies are unlikely to pay out for any damage sustained from knowingly driving through floodwater.
Driving through puddles and drenching pedestrians could land you with a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence. In more serious cases, penalties can soar to as much as £5,000 for driving without reasonable consideration for others on the road.
Weekend weather outlook for North East
The North East of England is expected to see increasingly dry, settled, and pleasant conditions this weekend as a period of heavy rain and thunderstorms finally clears out.
Saturday (August 22) is forecast to be dry with an increasing number of sunny spells. A lingering weather front over the North Sea could bring cloudier conditions and the small chance of an isolated morning shower, particularly in northern parts of Northumberland. There will be maximum temperatures of around 16C to 17C, which will feel slightly below average for late August, but pleasant when the sun breaks through.
Sunday (August 23) is likely to be the best day of the weekend, offering fine, dry weather across the board with a mixture of patchy cloud and long periods of sunshine. It will be noticeably warmer, with maximum daytime highs climbing to a much more comfortable 19C. Winds will be very light and calm, with maximum wind gusts dropping to around 15 mph. Nights will remain on the chillier side throughout the weekend, with clear spells dropping overnight lows to around 8C to 10C.
