YOUNG drivers have been warned about the risks of being distracted while they are driving.

Risky behaviour such as texting friends or changing an iPod track while behind the wheel has been highlighted as part of a campaign to reduce the number of young drivers in crashes.

Figures from the Safer Roads Partnership show 31 per cent of all crashes in West Mercia involve drivers aged between 17 and 24 years old.

During the last three years, 19 people have been killed in Worcestershire and 92 seriously injured following a crash involving a young driver, with driver behaviour being noted as the main contributory factor.

Vicki Bristow, communications manager at the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia, said: “This age group is one of the most at-risk groups on our roads.

“This campaign is designed to demonstrate that highly risky behaviour, such as changing a track on an iPod or texting a friend can lead to catastrophic results.”

Police temporary superintendent Lee Davenport said: “West Mercia police patrols will be supporting this campaign by taking a hard line against drivers who flout the law.

“Being distracted by loud music, a phone conversation or text message means you will react more slowly to what is happening around you and take longer to brake.

“People who become distracted while they are driving are more likely to miss road signs and tailgate and find it difficult to maintain a steady speed or proper lane position.

"They also tend to drive faster placing other road users, particularly pedestrians, at high risk of injury.”