Motorists have been warned they risk a £5,000 fine for a seemingly “safe” mistake. This error could result in a fixed penalty notice and points on your licence.
According to the Met Office, nine in 10 weather-related deaths and serious injuries on UK roads happen in the rain. But while you may be focused on not driving too fast in wet conditions, the opposite could also land you in trouble.
Lee Caroline, a car expert at car scrap company LJC Autospares, explained how overly cautious driving in heavy rain can cause serious hazards. He cautioned that slower speeds could be deemed “dangerous”.
“While speeding is widely recognised as dangerous, driving too slowly can also put people at risk,” he said.
“Cars crawling along well under the limit can cause sudden braking, increase the chance of accidents, and create congestion on busy roads.”
He continued: “Unnecessarily slow driving or braking may be classed as careless driving. In less severe cases, this could result in a fixed penalty notice, usually a £100 or £200 fine alongside three penalty points. In the most extreme situations, drivers could face up to nine penalty points and a fine of £5,000 if taken to court.”
Police.uk warns that careless driving is classed as driving that falls below the minimum standard expected of a “competent and careful” driver, and includes “driving without reasonable consideration for other road users”.
It lists examples of careless or inconsiderate driving as:
- Overtaking on the inside
- Driving too close to another vehicle
- Driving through a red light by mistake
- Turning into the path of another vehicle
- The driver being avoidably distracted, such as by tuning the radio or lighting a cigarette
- Flashing lights to force other drivers to give way
- Misusing lanes to gain advantage over other drivers
- Unnecessarily staying in an overtaking lane
- Unnecessarily slow driving or braking
- Dazzling other drivers with un-dipped headlights
Lee said: “Police are most likely to stop motorists travelling unreasonably slowly in normal traffic conditions, for example, when cars are trundling along at 30mph or less on roads where that speed would normally be unsafe.
“Minimum speed limits are rare in the UK, but they can sometimes be enforced on motorways at 30mph.”
However, he added: “It’s important to remember there are times when slower driving is the safer option, such as in poor weather or when visibility is reduced.
“The issue arises when drivers go too far below the speed limit without good reason, as this can disrupt traffic flow and create unnecessary hazards for other road users.”
To drive safely in the rain he advised you:
- Avoid driving in heavy rain: If possible, delay your trip and check weather warnings before setting off
- Drive slower than usual: Lower speeds reduce the risk of losing control or hydroplaning
- Leave extra stopping distance: The Highway Code advises doubling your stopping distance in wet weather, leaving at least four seconds to the car in front
- Avoid floods and deep puddles: If you can’t judge the depth, reroute instead of risking it
- Switch off cruise control: Staying in full control of the vehicle is crucial in heavy rain
- Take turns and corners slowly: Reduced tyre grip makes it easier to spin out if you brake harshly or steer sharply
- Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel: Strong winds often accompany heavy rain and can affect handling
- Use dipped headlights in poor visibility: Rain and spray make it harder to see and be seen
- Keep your windscreen clear: Use air conditioning to prevent misting inside the car