Forecasters have said that the freezing weather will continue to grip the UK for much of this week with North Yorkshire already affected by temperatures of -18C.

Commuters, starting the working week, have been told to expect more snow, ice on untreated roads and patches of freezing fog and the RAC has advised drivers who did not use their cars last week or over the weekend to let the engine run for five to 10 minutes, to make sure they don't get a flat battery.

The motoring organization took around 2,600 calls per hour at times last week and has told drivers to fully prepare for driving in bad weather by checking traffic conditions, making sure windows and lights are free from snow and taking extra clothing, food and drink, a shovel and a mobile phone when going on journeys.

At least seven people have died as a result of the severe weather, including two men who died after they were involved in a crash on the M62. The men were travelling in freezing conditions on Friday morning when their pick-up truck was in collision with a lorry. Two young women died on the A595 in Cumbria when their car was involved in an accident with a Royal Mail van and two pensioners, both from Cumbria, died after falling in their gardens. A man also died in the Yorkshire Dales when he was hit by a passing car after stopping to help a stranded motorist.

Source: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Drivers-warned-of-39worst-ever.6650966.jp