A HARD-hitting campaign has been launched in an attempt to cut down the number of deaths and injuries on the roads of Teesside caused by distracted teenagers.

Students from a training centre were the first to get up to speed with road safety issues at a special event focussing on young drivers and passengers being easily distracted.

Cleveland Fire Brigade is backing the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) campaign along with Cleveland Police to help get across key safety messages to young drivers.

At the launch of the week-long event at Billingham’s NETA Apprentice Training Centre, more than one hundred 17-21 year-olds received advice and tips during a series of interactive sessions before firefighters carried out a multi-vehicle crash scene rescue scenario.

Road collisions are still the leading cause of death for young adults between 15 and 19 and drivers are four times more likely to have a crash if they are using a mobile phone at the wheel.

Chief fire officer Ian Hayton said: “Once again we are focusing on the issue of young driver distraction because of the high fatality rate among young drivers.

“Young people are so used to multi-tasking such as watching TV while texting and using the internet, they might not even anticipate the dangers of doing so whilst behind the wheel.

“The campaign provides an opportunity to work together with all of the other relevant key agencies and raise awareness of the risks on the roads and save young people’s lives.”

Distracted driving activities include things like using a mobile phone, texting and even eating. Using in-vehicle technologies (such as navigation systems) can also be sources of distraction.

NETA’s Chief Executive Frank Ramsay, said: “NETA is delighted to be working in partnership with the emergency services and other providers to promote key messages on road safety. We’re sure that, with the range of equipment and simulators available for young people to experience, the day will be both enjoyable and informative.”

The fire brigade is also encouraging people to 'Make the Pledge' and make a difference to road safety by signing up to the Brake Road Safety charity pledge by visiting www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/pledge-road-safety/