A new campaign urging young drivers to stay safe behind the wheel is being launched in Dudley.

It comes as it was revealed 122 young drivers under the age of 24 were killed or seriously injured on the roads in the West Midlands over a 12-month period, according to recently released figures.

The Dudley Council campaign will kick off on Valentine’s Day and stress the catastrophic consequences of inappropriate driving in terms of the potential loss of loved ones. The local authority is launching the campaign at Dudley College in conjunction with neighbouring councils in Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

There will be eye-catching visual displays showing the startling stats around casualties and fatalities. There will be opportunities for discussion about driver behaviour and coping strategies which passengers could adopt, should they find themselves in a vehicle when they don’t feel comfortable. Councillor John Martin, Cabinet Member for Highways and Environment, said:

"As a council we are pleased to be backing this campaign along with our Black Country neighbours. The figures for fatalities and accidents involving young drivers are really quite shocking and will hopefully illustrate the importance of being sensible behind the wheel.

"The campaign will be launched on Valentine’s Day with the focus on looking out for someone you love, be it a girlfriend, boyfriend, mates or family members. It identifies the terrible consequences for drivers and passengers when things go wrong."