BLACK Country councils will launch a Valentine’s Day road safety campaign this week, urging young people to “look out for the one you love” when driving.

Young drivers are being reminded of the potentially catastrophic consequences dangerous driving could have on loved ones – be it a girlfriend, boyfriend, mates or family members.

The Dudley and Sandwell authorities are teaming up with their counterparts in Walsall and Wolverhampton to kick off the campaign this Wednesday (February 14), with road safety officers set to hold an awareness event at Stourbridge College.

As part of the launch, students will be able to try out West Midlands Fire Service’s virtual reality goggles, which simulate driving drunk or under the influence of drugs.

There will be displays showing how 187 young people aged 17 to 24 have been killed or seriously injured in the region during the past 12 months, as either passengers or drivers of a vehicle.

It is all aimed at encouraging young drivers to take responsibility for their passengers and urging people to speak out if they find themselves in a situation which they feel uncomfortable.

Councillor David Hosell, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for highways and environment, said: “We’re doing everything we can to make our roads safer and we’ve made significant progress in recent years.

“Young people aged between 17 and 24 remain the most likely to be involved in an accident, so it’s important we really engage with them.

“We want to make them aware of the dangers of bad driving and also empower them as passengers not to get into a car with someone who drives in a way that makes them feel unsafe.”

Events will also take place at Sandwell College Central Campus in West Bromwich, Walsall College and Wolverhampton College.