YOUNG road safety campaigners are set to spread the message on how to stay safe.

A group of 11 young people from across Kirklees have been trained as Road Safety Champions.

They will work in conjunction with emergency and Kirklees Council services, gaining vital information on accident hot spots and near misses.

And they will be out and about in schools, colleges and youth groups to highlight the dangers of the road.

The Road Safety Champions will talk about the dangers of being distracted by mobile phones, ipods and listening to music.

Other problem areas for young people are not paying attention to crossing roads safely, congregating on roads in groups, the impact of alcohol and drugs on drivers, passengers and pedestrians, driving too fast and not wearing seatbelts.

Road Safety Champion, Faheem Shaikh, 18, from Batley, said: “I want young people to be aware of the dangers because people my age believe they are invincible.

“They think road safety is for primary school when in fact this is the age when you’re most vulnerable.

“The Road Safety Champions project is very important because it allows us to peer educate young people on the dangers of the road.

“I believe young people will be encouraged to learn more if they can see how passionate and driven people of their own age are at spreading this vital message.

“I hope they can see how dangerous roads are and how simple it is to avoid accidents – by taking off earphones when crossing the road, for example.

“People my age are vulnerable because you are starting to learn to drive or always rushing to classes.

“When you consider that road traffic accidents – not knife crime or drug use – are the biggest cause of accidental death for people aged 11-24, it’s obvious something needs to be done.”

Fellow Road Safety Champion Nicole Powell, 16, from Huddersfield, said: “I got involved to be a role model to others and to meet new people.