POLICE are urging young county drivers to scrub up their driving skills after shocking figures have revealed an increase in teenagers being injured in car crashes.

Poor driving skills and a lack of experience have contributed to the massive 33 per cent increase in the last year, says West Mercia Constabulary.

The rise in young casualties comes as the number of people injured in all other age groups has fallen.

Officers are now keen to encourage new drivers - particularly those aged 17 and 18 - to boost their motoring skills through the Streetwise Skills Assessment Initiative.

Sgt John Roberts, of the force's operations department, said: "As well as this disturbing increase in the number of teenage car drivers involved in crashes there has been an alarming rise in the number of car passengers aged between 16 and 18 being injured in collisions.

"The driving test prepares motorists for the road but some younger drivers seem to think that once they've passed, they can throw their 'L' plates away and never need to look at the Highway Code again.

"All drivers need to continue their learning experience and develop their skills further. "As a young driver, it is vitally important that you develop skills early in your driving career, which will prevent you from becoming another casualty statistic."

Figures between last April and this March show that the number of teenage drivers injured in crashes in West Mercia, which includes Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire, has gone up by a third compared with the same time between 2002 and 2003.

In the 2002 to 2003 financial year 150 teenagers aged 17 and 18 were injured in road collisions - 49 less than the 199 injured between 2003 and 2004.

The free Streetwise scheme is run by the Institute of Advanced Motorists in Worcester, Hereford, Kidderminster, Redditch, Shrewsbury, and Telford.

"Younger drivers would particularly benefit from this scheme and I would encourage anyone who has recently passed their driving test to take part in the scheme," added Sgt Roberts."

He also encouraged parents to push their teenage children to take part, adding: "It could prove invaluable to add to their safety and add to your peace of mind when they are out on the road."

For more information about improving your driving, call Sgt Roberts on 01905 331659 or visit www.westmercia.police.uk