DRIVERS are being advised to "stay cool" on North Yorkshire's roads this weekend by following some helpful tips from the county's traffic police.

A force spokesman said: "Summer heat plus crowded roads often equal stress, and sometimes, sadly, you can add road rage into the equation.

"Accidents and stress-connected incidents rise with the temperature, and North Yorkshire Police has issued a 'stay cool' set of safety tips for those holiday journeys."

Drivers are advised to: plan journeys to avoid congestion; perform checks before setting off to avoid a vehicle breakdown; be tolerant of other road users' errors; accept congestion when it occurs; relax at the wheel but stay alert; eat light snacks instead of heavy meals; don't compete with other drivers or retaliate; be courteous.

If you do feel threatened by another driver, stay in your car and lock your doors, avoid confrontation by driving to a busy public area, and get a good description of the car and driver to pass on to the police if you need to.

Updated: 10:18 Friday, April 18, 2003