A NEW road safety campaign that aims to reduce the number of teenage accident victims is being launched in South Tyneside.

The Government is asking councils to warn youngsters that traffic is the biggest single killer of 12 to 16-year-olds.

The campaign, called Making Choices, is aimed at year six pupils, who will be moving up to comprehensive schools in September. South Tyneside Council's campaign warns them of the risks they face going to and from school.

The council's lead member for neighbourhood services, Peter Boyack, said: "Last year more than 600 children in the 12 to 16 age group were knocked down and injured in the North-East and that figure is rising.

"This campaign gives valuable advice in a fresh style that children can easily relate to."

Adverts will back up the campaign.

"We are also joining forces with other councils in Tyne and Wear to sponsor posters on the back of buses and radio adverts on Galaxy Radio throughout the summer.''

Councillor Boyack added: "It is this council's intention that a high impact, multi-media approach will drive home the road safety message and help to reverse the worrying trend in child pedestrian casualties.''

A magazine highlighting the campaign will be given to every Year Six pupil in the borough before they move to their new schools.