£5,000 warning to anyone driving in rain and one manoeuvre that catches drivers out
Motorists have been issued a £5,000 warning when driving in the rain. The alert relates to the risk of aquaplaning, which could see a vehicle lose traction when travelling too quickly over a wet surface.
Aquaplaning occurs when a small body of water forms in front of the tyre, lifting it off the road surface. With no contact on the ground, vehicles can be sent skidding.
Motorists are at particular risk if they have tyres deemed to be in a bad condition and inadequate tread. Drivers could be fined up to £2,500 per tyre if they're deemed unsuitable for the road.
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Meanwhile, they could face a £5,000 fine and nine penalty points of they lose control of their vehicle due to speeding or failing to adjust to the road conditions. The warning was shared by experts at Swansway Motor Group.
A spokesperson said: "Driving in heavy rain presents serious risks for motorists, particularly when it comes to aquaplaning. When a vehicle travels too quickly over a wet surface, the tyres may lose contact with the road, causing the car to slide uncontrollably. This can be incredibly dangerous, not just for the driver but for other road users as well. It’s important to slow down during wet weather and adjust your driving to suit the road conditions.
"Aquaplaning occurs when a wedge of water forms in front of the tyre, lifting it off the road surface. The tyre’s tread can no longer push the water away, resulting in a loss of traction. This is why it’s so important that your tyres are in good condition and have adequate tread depth, especially during wet weather. Failing to do so could lead to fines of up to £2,500 per tyre if the tyres are deemed unsuitable for the conditions.
"In cases where a driver loses control of their vehicle due to speeding or failing to adjust to the road conditions, they could face severe penalties, including fines of up to £5,000 and as many as nine penalty points on their licence. In a worse-case scenario, this can even result in a temporary driving ban. These penalties are in place to make sure motorists take extra care in bad weather.
"To recover from aquaplaning, drivers should gently ease off the accelerator and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel. Don’t make any hard turns – this will only make things worse. The best thing you can do is stay calm and allow the car to regain traction as the water clears.
"We advise drivers to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and avoid driving through large puddles whenever possible. Be aware that car insurance providers may refuse to cover damage if they believe a driver has ignored the conditions and driven recklessly in heavy rain. Driving with care and attention is key to avoiding fines, accidents, and the risks associated with aquaplaning."