Nearly 180 young drivers killed or seriously injured their passengers on Kent's roads in the past three years.

This stark figure represents 83% of all car occupants killed or seriously injured in the county since 2013, and a new Speak Up campaign has been launched aiming to reduce the toll.

KCC Road Safety say "triggers" such as driving late at night, a car full of passengers and being distracted by loud music and mobiles phones can make a young driver more likely to crash.

The campaign aims to highlight these triggers and suggest ways passengers can get the driver to stay safe.

Matthew Balfour, Kent County Council cabinet member for environment and transport, says: "Sadly, it is a fact that too many young drivers are involved in road crashes that result in their passengers being killed or injured.

"Inexperience and peer pressure to drive a certain way are a lethal combination that costs lives, and young newly-qualified drivers are particularly prone to such pressures.

"Driving a car and having responsibility for the safety of others is a serious thing for a young person to handle – and I would urge all young drivers to think carefully about how they drive and to put the safety of their passengers and other road users above all other considerations.”

Steve Horton, Kent County Council Casualty Reduction Manager, says: “For those who are passengers of young drivers, I encourage you to look carefully at the person in the driving seat and, before closing your door, ask yourself ‘do I want to give this person my safety?’ because as soon as you shut that door, the driver has complete control of what they choose to do next.

“More young drivers are becoming aware that their passengers don’t enjoy reckless driving and that those who drive badly are viewed by their passengers as poor drivers. Poor drivers would be talked about when they are not present and eventually those prepared to accept a lift with them will reduce dramatically.

“Just imagine the embarrassment for the driver if their friends had to ask them to slow down or not use their mobile when driving. Being driven safely is what all passengers want.”