COUNTRY roads are ten times more dangerous that motorways and accounted for more than half of all accident fatalities in 2016 according to a newly released survey.

The figures, commissioned by insurance comparison website, Confused.com, also state that the biggest frustration for rural drivers are cyclists riding two or more abreast.

Other annoyances include sheep blocking the road, speeding, dangerous overtaking, drivers not giving way, agricultural vehicles and fly-tipping.

The number of deaths on non-built up roads has increased by 4% in the last year alone with 41% drivers experiencing an accident or near miss on a country lane.

Advice for drivers on

country roads

• Anticipate potential hazards, rural roads are full of twists and turns so give yourself enough time to react to dangers lurking around the corner.

• Many rural roads have higher maximum speed limits than roads in built-up areas, but this doesn’t mean you should drive at the top end of the limit. Choose a safe speed and allow plenty of stopping distance between other cars or road users.

• Overtaking can be very dangerous on rural roads, so don’t ever feel pressured by cars behind to overtake. If overtaking cyclists and horse riders, do so slowly, giving plenty of space and avoid blind corners.

• Be aware of animals and farm vehicles as they may emerge from concealed field entrances.

• If you’re driving on the roads in the dark, use your full beam headlights properly and adjust your interior mirror to avoid dazzle.

• Rural roads can get extremely icy in the winter because of a lack of gritting. If you encounter a skid, gently steer into it.