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A Haverhill garage will be giving away road safety packs to some new drivers next week as part of a Stay Safe campaign.

Statistics show that one in five drivers report they have had an accident in the first six months after passing their test, with 20 per cent of new drivers involved in an accident during their first year behind the wheel.

Shockingly, two drivers under the age of 25 die every day in crashes in the UK.

In recognition of young drivers who commit to improving their driving skills by taking the Pass Plus course – established by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), insurers and the driving instruction industry – Jet station North Street Garages in Haverhill will be giving away a limited number of ‘Stay Safe’ road safety packs.

From Monday to Monday, April 18-25, the first five young drivers to walk into the forecourt shop and provide evidence of completing the Pass Plus course within the last 12 months will receive a Jet road safety pack.

The ‘Stay Safe’ pack will include an in-car fire extinguisher, a handy Varta safety torch and a fold-out pocket safety guide with top tips on what to do in the event of an emergency or breakdown, basic care maintenance and how to drive more fuel-efficiently.

Trevor Wedge, chief driving examiner at the Driving Standards Agency, said: “Post-test training builds upon existing skills and knowledge and gives new drivers the experience to help them drive more safely in a variety of driving conditions.

"Further training driving on motorways, dual carriageways, rural roads and in a variety of weather conditions can increase their confidence and skills – helping to reduce the risk of them being involved in a road crash.”

Roger Westrope at North Street Garages said: “Safety lies at the heart of Jet’s approach so we are delighted to be involved in the ‘Stay Safe’ initiative.

"The statistics on road accidents involving young drivers make for alarming reading. We wanted to give something back to those that have gone one step further to achieve safety on the roads by taking the Pass Plus course.

"Hopefully, in turn, we will also raise awareness of the course and encourage other young drivers to consider ways in which to improve their driving skills and their confidence on the road.”

The Jet ‘Stay Safe’ road safety packs will be available from April 18-25 while stocks last. The Jet station is open Monday to Saturday 6am to 10.30pm and Sunday 7am-10.30pm.

The Pass Plus training course was established by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), insurers and the driving instruction industry.

Aimed at newly qualified drivers, the course helps to build driving skills and knowledge and teaches drivers how to anticipate, plan for and deal with all kinds of hazards. Every year, more than 70,000 individuals throughout the UK complete the course.