A free road safety course is being offered to learner drivers next month to promote safer driving behaviour and skills.

Hosted by Merton Council’s Road Safety Education Unit, the course includes two road safety talks, each of two-hours duration, which will explore driver behaviour, the responsibility involved in owning and maintaining a car, insurance and advice on the theory and practical tests.

Speakers from The Driving Standards Agency, the Met Police and British School of Motoring will be advising on all aspects of better safer driving.And participants who attend both sessions will be eligible to claim a free driving lesson with an accredited driving school to put into practice what they’ve learnt.

Charmaine Jacques, Merton Council’s Senior Safety Education Officer, said an increase in the number of collisions involving young drivers was the catalyst behind offering the course.

“In 2004, there were 79 accidents in Merton involving 17-24 year old drivers. Many accidents can be attributed to the inexperience of these novice drivers but other actions such as speeding, driving too close and injudiciously turning right were contributing factors in 37 of these accidents.

“The course aims to teach younger drivers to learn more about driving and improve their skills before getting behind the wheel.”

To register for the course or for more details, contact Merton’s Road Safety Education Unit on 020 8545 3206 or http://www.merton.gov.uk/roadsafety