TOP tips to help North Yorkshire drivers keep their cool in the soaring summer temperatures have been issued by police.

The advice from North Yorkshire Police is designed to cut accidents and stress-related incidents which increase each year as people head out on the county's roads in the heat.

Drivers are advised to:

1. Plan their journey and an alternative route and try to travel at less busy times

2. Check their oil, water and tyres, clean the windscreen and make sure their vehicle is regularly serviced

3. Take a moment to clear their minds of other problems before starting the engine

4. Anticipate and be tolerant of other road users' errors and try not to make any themselves

5. Accept roads can be congested and stay calm about delays

6. Learn to spot the warning signs of oncoming stress and fatigue and develop ways of coping, such as listening to music or talking to passengers

7. Breathe deeply and slowly and not grip the steering wheel, as it leads to fatigue.

The guidelines also advise drivers to have a realistic expectation of how long a journey will take, not to drive for more than two hours without a break or cover more than 300 miles in a day, and to avoid heavy meals and eat light snacks instead.

Strategies for avoiding potential road rage situations include:

1. Keeping calm and showing restraint

2. Remembering other drivers are not out to get you and mistakes are often innocently made

3. Not competing or retaliating

4. Being patient and setting an example to other drivers

5. Using courtesy signals.

If motorists do feel threatened or intimidated by another driver, they should try to avoid confrontation by driving to a public area, such as a filling station or busy shopping area.

If necessary, stay in the car with the doors locked and sound the horn.

They should also try to get a description of the person and their vehicle registration and contact the police.

Updated: 11:22 Saturday, July 28, 2001