How you could be slapped with a £1000 fine if you’re in a car crash caused by bad weather
MOTORISTS who crash their cars in bad weather could face fines of more than £1000.
Millions of Brits have been told to stay at home today as Storm Eunice rips through the UK, bringing wild winds of more than 100mph.
National Highways has issued an urgent warning to drivers for the most "high risk" roads.
Despite the two rare red weather warnings today and harsh conditions, some Brits are still choosing to drive.
Under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, drivers can be held responsible for accidents despite snowy or icy conditions.
Brits are being warned to avoid heavy penalties and incurring licence points while driving dangerously this winter.
Examples of careless driving could include driving without dehumidifying the window, slipping on ice or crashing due to poor visibility.
Careless driving can carry a three to nine-point penalty and an "unlimited" fine.
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The fines are based on a percentage of a person's weekly income and the seriousness of the offence.
The most serious offences could see drivers fined 600 per cent of their weekly pay.
A lesser breach of the law could see a lower fine of 150 per cent.
For example, a person earning the average yearly wage of £29,900 - £460 a week after tax - could be fined at 150 per cent about £690, while another person on £44,000 a year would have to pay around £1000 for the same crime.
It is up to the discretion of the court how long a driver has to pay but it can be up to a year, although the principal the find should be paid immediately.
Criminal defense barrister told The Sun Online: "Where the conditions and circumstances of the driving are dangerous the CPS and police will often prosecute. Such cases are very difficult to defend.
"The implications of conviction can be a criminal record, points on your driving licence, a fine, or in the worst cases a sentence of imprisonment."
Depending on the circumstances, Mr Hunt said: "If it was dangerous or careless to drive in the conditions then the person would at the least be liable through their insurers and at worst could be prosecuted."
The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) told The Sun Online driving needs to be a factor in each journey.
A spokesperson said: "Disruption should be expected on all roads whenever there is adverse weather, and drivers should plan their journeys accordingly, and consider whether they need to make a journey at all.
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"Leave extra time before setting off on a journey and if required, ensure your vehicle is thoroughly defrosted, and that windscreens and lights are completely clear.
"In wet and other dangerous weather conditions, reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front to account for greater stopping distances."
10 rules to follow to keep safe when driving in snowy and ice conditions
1. Make sure you can see clearly from the driving seat
2. Check around your car before setting off
3. Pack for the eventuality of getting stuck
4. Check your planned route
5. Keep well back from the vehicle in front
6. Drive extremely carefully
7. Try and keep all of your motions smooth and under control
8. Don’t stop when going uphill
9. Stop driving if visibility is impaired
10. Ensure you have absolutely no distractions
