CAA Manitoba and Manitoba Public Insurance are partnering to help keep new drivers safe on the roads when something goes wrong.

The two organizations announced yesterday that CAA will give a free one-year membership to graduates of the high school driver eduaction program administered by MPI.

CAA Manitoba president Mike Mager says having peace of mind for young drivers and their parents is important.

"So if you do end up getting stranded somewhere you have the opportunity to have your car towed. If your tire goes flat you have the ability to have somebody come and change it for you, if you run out of gas somebody can come along and provide you with gas. Sometimes on a roadside if you get stalled or held aside, it may not be the safest circumstance but having the ability to call CAA and have us come and assist you with our skilled drivers is another safety factor."

Mager says it will be easy for graduates to sign up. He says invite letters will be provided as students complete the program. He adds memberships are based on individuals, not vehicles, so young drivers using their parents' vehicles can still apply.