YOUNG drivers working with Renfrewshire Council are set to improve their hazard perception skills to lower their risk of being in a crash thanks to a new programme.

More than 40 instructors and learners attended a launch event at the Gleniffer Hotel, in Paisley, which outlined the benefits of the partnership scheme with Police Scotland.

It will link with the council’s Modern Apprenticeship programme and give young drivers the chance to attend workshops designed to improve hazard perception.

The course will use case studies to identify the missed hazards which ultimately caused a collision, recognise why they were missed and provide the solutions.

Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of the council’s communities, housing and planning policy board, said: “This new programme will be a fantastic resource for our Modern Apprentices to take advantage of.

“It will ensure all young drivers who have access to the council fleet will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to drive safely.”

The council will make the course available to its modern apprentices, with an initial focus on those who will have access to the council fleet.