Drivers have been urged to avoid country roads and plan ahead as the increased risk of black ice on untreated rural routes has been highlighted.
Rural insurer NFU Mutual is warning motorists to avoid rural roads and take extra care, as severe ice and heavy snow continue to make conditions.
The plea follows the release of figures which show that 59% of all road fatalities occur on country roads, and in 2015 some 10,307 people were killed or seriously injured on country roads in Britain.
The number of people killed on country roads is 10 times higher than on motorways.
Tim Price, Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual said: "Rural roads and icy weather require different driving skills – sharp bends, unexpected hazards and changing conditions can all catch out the unwary.
"Although the heavy snowfall may have subsided in some areas, prolonged sub-zero conditions and freezing rain have made countryside conditions treacherous. Black ice is both deceptive and deadly, and many motorists are unaware that some rural routes haven't been treated.
"We are also hearing reports of continued drifting which could leave people stranded in cars in the countryside. Our advice is to avoid rural roads and if your journey is absolutely necessary, plan ahead and adapt your driving."
NFU Mutual rural driving tips
Whether you’re a native of the countryside or an infrequent visitor, these tips for rural driving should help you stay safe and avoid the hazards.
• Plan your journey before you set off and give thought to locations that might be badly affected and monitor local weather forecasts.
• Leave at least twice as much space as normal between you and the vehicle in front
• Tell family or friends where you are going and when you expect to get there
• Tune radios into local stations to get regular updates on conditions and road closures
• Don’t make harsh or sharp movements, when you brake and accelerate do it slowly and smoothly
• Drive slowly in as high a gear as possible
• Keep your windscreen, windows and mirrors clean and free of ice and ensure you have a supply of winter-ready screen wash.
• Keep a torch, blanket, a bottle of water and a chocolate bar or two in the car
• Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged, and tune into the radio to keep up to date about road conditions
