With a majority of UK’s regions covered with a blanket of ice after heavy snow fell on Monday across Britain for the first time in 18 years, motorists are being advised to ensure they are extra cautious when driving.

The number of motor accidents caused by slippery roads on Monday morning alone soared by an incredible amount.

And the figures of road accidents and deaths are yet to climb further throughout the next few days as the UK weather is forecasted for more gloomy conditions.

Death of two van drivers as heavy snow hits Britain

On Wednesday 3rd at 11.30am, a motorist was killed in a road accident which is believed to be the cause of the icy road conditions after Monday’s snow attack.

A van driver had died at the scene when he had collided head on with a double decker bus at Modbury in Devon. 15 passengers were rushed to hospital.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Temperatures in the area are not as low as they had been but we can't rule out the possibility that there was ice on the road.”

Another van driver was killed just off the A367 when his Mercedes van hit a tree.

A spokesman for Great Western Ambulance Service said: "The location of the accident was on a very, very icy road so our response vehicle had some difficulty getting to him."

The number of deaths caused by icy roads is expected to increase due to further heavy snowfall and not enough supply of grit.

Grit rationing

According to telegraph.com, ‘more grit has been deposited on roads in the last four days than in the whole of last year’s winter.’

As a result, the UK does not have enough supply of grit for all roads hit by the snow and regions are forced to ration the amount of grit they use in a day.

Paul Bettison, Chairman of the Local Government Association's Environment Board, said: "Council supplies of grit have been massively depleted after the cold snap and heavy snow that has hit much of the country. There is growing concern supplies are drying up due to rationing."

A spokesman for Salt Union added: “Salt Union is using every means possible and taking extraordinary measures to meet the current need for salt. We have been operating 24 hours a day 7 days a week since the beginning of January but the unexpected and unusual weather means that even working at this level, demand is outstripping supply."

Drivers have been advised to delay unnecessary journeys to avoid being involved in an accident.

Great time to check your insurance policy

Those who have to travel have been advised to ensure they have adequate motor insurance to protect them in the case of an accident caused by snow or ice.

Van drivers with a comprehensive van insurance policy will be covered against accidents caused by snow.

Motorists have also been advised to ensure they have breakdown cover as the number of drivers needed road side assistance during the past few days has also increased.