Motorists are being warned they could face £50 fines for driving in the rain this winter.
Heavy rain has hit towns and cities across the UK in recent weeks, leaving many roads treacherous.
Fresh research suggests that half of drivers in Britain reduce their speed when heavy rain falls, meaning half do not.
While one in eight people admitted to having an accident in such conditions, according to the research.
Motorists are being warned they could face £50 fines for driving in the rain
Gareth Fuller
Fresh research suggests that half of drivers in Britain reduce their speed when heavy rain falls
Yui Mok
When driving in heavy rain or conditions where visibility is “seriously reduced”, drivers must use dipped headlights.
Failure to do so leaves motorists at risk of an on-the-spot £50 fine if stopped by police.
Rule 113 of the Highway Code states: “Ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit between sunset and sunrise.
“Use headlights at night, except on a road which has lit street lighting.
“These roads are generally restricted to a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) unless otherwise specified.
“Use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced.”
Reduced visibility is generally considered when you “cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet)”, according to the Highway Code.
While motorists should also be careful when using front and rear fog lights.
Rule 226 of the code states: ”You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet).
“You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves.”
While rule 223 adds: “You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights.
“You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.”