POLICE are warning motorists about the "potentially deadly" combination of warm weather and long car journeys.

As the RAC has predicted the worst ever May Day Bank Holiday congestion, North Yorkshire Police issued a "stay cool" set of safety tips for those making Bank Holiday journeys.

The force's spokesman Tony Lidgate said: "High temperatures plus crowded roads often equal stress, with hot, bored youngsters adding to the pressure. And sometimes, sadly, you can add road rage into the equation."

He advised taking long journeys in easy stages to minimise stress, and never driving for more than two hours without a break, or covering more than 300 miles in a day.

He said: "Remember that it's not just you on the road. Give yourself time and space to react to other people and allow for their mistakes. Don't compete or retaliate.

"Aggressive behaviour just increases stress all round. Don't try to educate others - leave traffic policing to the police."

The RAC has also warned traffic jams are expected to peak this afternoon.

The motoring organisation said motorists plan to drive 1.8 billion more miles in total than they did during the May Day weekend last year.

It singled out the M25, the M1 through Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire and the M6 around Birmingham as "congestion hotspots", as well as roads to the coast.

RAC Rescue service delivery director Neil Thompson said: "A fine weather forecast, memories of the hot Easter break and a packed events schedule is a recipe for the most congested UK roads we have ever seen over a May Day weekend.

"We are urging motorists to allow an extra 45 minutes for their journeys and to check travel updates online."

Eight tips to reduce stress on the roads

NORTH Yorkshire Police have issued the following tips to motorists for this weekend:

  • Before you set out, plan your journey and have an alternative route in mind. And consider the timing - don't arrive at the M25 during rush-hour
  • Vehicle breakdowns are stressful - regular servicing and routine checks are essential. Carry spares, clean the windscreen and carry a window cloth and sunglasses
  • Before you start the engine, take a few moments to concentrate your mind; try to forget other problems when driving
  • Before you set off do all you can to ensure child passengers are as comfortable as possible, that they get plenty of fresh air and are copiously furnished with entertainment, such as books, games, story tapes or CDs
  • Anticipate and be tolerant of other road users' errors. Make a conscious effort not to commit any errors that may annoy someone else
  • If a road is congested, accept there is probably very little you can do about the delay
  • Learn to spot the warning signs of oncoming stress and fatigue, and develop positive coping strategies. Talk to your passengers, listen to the radio or music
  • Increase your intake of fresh air and consciously breathe in slowly. Gripping the steering wheel too hard will tense arm and neck muscles, leading to fatigue.