Driving in the torrential weather we are geared up for in Greater Manchester is a task in itself but it may be worth bearing in mind one thing as you drive around.
Rain - and lots of it - equals plenty of large puddles and whilst some may think it's funny to speed up and cause a bit of a splash, they should probably think again.
Motorists who soak a pedestrian going about their business could be hit with a maximum fine of £5,000 if they are caught doing so.
This is because under section three of the Road Traffic Act 1998, splashing someone amounts to driving 'without reasonable consideration for other persons' which the Crown Prosecution Service says includes "driving through a puddle causing pedestrians to be splashed".
If caught by police, a fixed penalty notice of £100 can be issued as well as three penalty points.
But, the maximum fine of £5,000 could be imposed if the drivers actions 'amounts to a clear act of incompetence, selfishness, impatience or aggressiveness'.
The top punishment could also be given if the offender fails, or refuses, to pay the fixed penalty notice and the case is taken to court.
RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams said on its website: "Anyone unfortunate enough to have suffered a drenching by an inconsiderate motorist splashing them when driving through a puddle would probably welcome a sizeable financial penalty for the driver.
"Since 2013 careless driving can be dealt with by a Fixed Penalty Notice with a £100 fine and three penalty points.
"If, however, they refuse [the notice] then they will face a magistrate who could impose a fine up to £5,000, although the maximum is very unlikely."
