Drivers given £5k fine alert as heavy rain and thundery showers batter the UK

Drivers given £5k fine alert as heavy rain and thundery showers batter the UK As heavy rainfall hits many parts of the UK, driving experts are warning motorists about the potential hazards and costly wet weather driving mistakes that could cost them up to £5,000 With heavy rainfall falling or forecast across much of the country, driving experts are urging motorists to wise up to the costly blunders they could be making behind the wheel. As warnings of torrential downpours spread online, car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk are alerting drivers to wet weather pitfalls that could leave them out of pocket by as much as £5,000. Rainy conditions pose a host of potential dangers for drivers, including poor visibility, flooded roads and the risk of drenching pedestrians. Insurance specialists also warn that should motorists choose to drive in severely reduced visibility and an incident occurs, their insurer may well refuse to honour any claim. Waterlogged roads can also make potholes far more difficult to spot, and with more than nine in 10 drivers admitting to having swerved to dodge potholes and protect their vehicle, knowing how to handle them safely is crucial. 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. "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. "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." Ways you could face penalties for driving in wet conditions Swerving potholes Potholes can deteriorate significantly following spells of rainy weather. Some 93% of motorists have admitted to swerving around a pothole to prevent damage to their vehicle, but these drivers could actually face penalties for this - with fines of up to £2,500 if attempts to avoid pothole damage are deemed as driving without due care and attention. Low visibility When driving in wet conditions, be aware that spray from other vehicles can reduce your ability to see and be seen. Dipped headlights are strongly advised during heavy downpours to help improve visibility. Also ensure that rainfall hasn't caused the windscreen to mist up, as motorists could face fines and penalty points if they don't have a clear, unobstructed view of the road. Flooded roads Flooded roads present serious dangers for motorists, with the risk of losing control, stalling or even causing engine damage. Even seemingly shallow pools of water can hide hazardous obstacles such as potholes, so drivers should turn back and seek an alternative route wherever possible. The majority of car insurance policies are unlikely to cover any damage incurred from knowingly driving through floodwater. Splashing pedestrians When navigating roads with large puddles, it's vital to remain considerate of other road users. Driving through puddles and soaking passers-by could land you with a £100 fine and three penalty points. In more serious cases, however, fines can soar to as much as £5,000 for driving without due consideration for others sharing the road. What parts of the UK are set to have heavy rainfall this week? Northern England, North Wales, the Midlands, East Anglia, and Southern England are the primary regions set to experience heavy rainfall, intense downpours, and thunderstorms this week. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings due to a low-pressure system moving across the country, which brings a significant risk of flash flooding, hail, and travel disruption. Because these intense downpours follow a prolonged, historic dry spell, the hard, baked ground cannot easily absorb the water. According to safety updates, drivers face high risks of flash floods and exceptionally slippery roads caused by oil and rubber deposits mixing with the sudden rainwater. The wet weather will begin to ease from Friday (August 21), leading to a mostly fine, dry weekend across the majority of the UK.