Transport planning bosses and logistics industry drivers may be wise to take note of a warning against the dangers of mud on the roads this autumn.
According to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), the problem caused almost 700 accidents in rural areas of Britain last year, with many "out-of-towners" caught out by slippery patches.
With harvest time now upon us and many tractors taking to the roads, the group warned that muddy surfaces could be a particular issue in the coming months.
The IAM's chief examiner Peter Rodger said motorists should keep a lookout for signs of the problem when driving through the country, such as straw or tractor tyre marks on the road.
"Statistically rural roads are our most dangerous and observation is the key to safe driving," he advised.
"By taking this kind of information on board and by adjusting your driving accordingly, you can avoid being caught by surprise."
The caution comes after safety organisation Tyresafe this week warned motorists about the need to check the depth of their tyre treads before taking to the roads this autumn.
It said that doing so could save dozens of lives and prevent hundreds of accidents.
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