Campaign aims to cut young driver deaths

There were more than 500 serious crashes in West Mercia Police force's area last year, a spokesperson said

A two-week campaign to cut the number of deaths on roads in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire will focus on younger drivers.

In 2024, 57 people died in crashes in the three counties and 517 were seriously injured, with a fifth of them aged 17-24, according to figures from West Mercia Police.

Insp Darren Godsall said the number of younger drivers being involved in serious crashes was a "particular concern".

The campaign, known as Operation Spotlight, is repeated across the country and aims to raise awareness of the dangers for motorists.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said common factors in crashes included speeding, distractions such as mobile phones, the influence of drink or drugs and not wearing seatbelts.