Splashing Water on Pedestrians Can Lead to 3 Years Imprisonment, Legal Expert Warns

Splashing rainwater or sewage onto pedestrians while driving during the rainy season is considered a petty criminal offense under Ethiopian law, according to legal expert and attorney Tigabu Desalegn. Speaking to Tikvah Ethiopia, he explained that under Article 820 and subsequent provisions of the FDRE Criminal Code, as well as Council of Ministers Road Transport Regulations, such negligent acts are punishable by up to three years of simple imprisonment or a fine. Drivers cannot excuse their behavior by blaming poor drainage systems or road conditions, as they are legally obligated to drive cautiously and respect pedestrian safety. In addition to criminal penalties, victims can pursue civil lawsuits to claim financial compensation for damaged belongings such as cell phones or laptops. To file charges, the victim must record the vehicle's license plate number, report the incident to the local police station, and present eye-witness testimony. Attorney Tigabu emphasized that witnesses who come forward are assisting the justice system, calling on all drivers to strictly adhere to traffic laws.