Getting splashed by a passing car is one of the best ways to ruin a good walk.
It’s happened to most people out for a stroll or run in the spring as puddles form along roadsides with the melting snow. Some drivers even find it amusing to soak pedestrians as they pass by.
But police are reminding all drivers that while it’s unpleasant for the pedestrian, it could be dangerous for the driver as well.
“When you’re driving through water you’ve got to remember that your tires don’t have good contact with the roadway so you’re hydroplaning. You’re possibly going to lose control,” Thunder Bay Police Service traffic Sgt. Glen Porter said.
If someone is intentionally driving around splashing pedestrians, Porter said police would like to investigate.
“The more information that’s provided to us is the better,” he said.
While it would depend on the particulars of a case, there is a possibility a driver could face a dangerous driving charge, which is a criminal offense.
“That is something you have to be aware of,” he said.
But police don’t get a lot of complaints about people being splashed.
““I think that Thunder Bay drivers are aware and they try to be as courteous as possible,” Porter said.
Sandy Guthrie organizes Fresh Air Experience’s running club. Even though she tries to plan the driest route possible and stays on the sidewalk, Guthrie was soaked two weeks ago by a passing car.
“I still get splashed,” she said.
While the 186 running club members who head out together every week haven’t had much trouble, it is a common problem when they head out on their own. Other than sticking to sidewalks, Guthrie said there’s not much a person can do about it.
“It’s not pleasant (being splashed) but at least you’re safe on the sidewalk,” she said. ““To me it’s not a huge issue.”
