YOUNG drivers are being urged to take extra care on the roads next year to avoid the heartache caused following a fatal accident.

A series of road accidents across East Lancashire last year led to eight people under the age of 25 being killed in car crashes.

And now local safety campaigners and police are highlighting the grief experienced by families who lose a loved one in this way - and urging young drivers to stay safe.

This year the Lancashire Telegraph launched a Wasted Lives campaign aimed at cutting the carnage among young and inexperienced drivers.

An important breakthrough is now likely, with government sources indicating that the driving age is likely to effectively be raised to 18.

Whitehall sources have confirmed that the move will be recommended in an impending government consultation document.

By calling for a series of legislative and educational reforms through Wasted Lives, the Lancashire Telegraph hopes to see a new driver training programme brought in that will lead to safer roads and fewer deaths.

Sgt Pete Sculpher, of Eastern division's road policing unit, said: "We urge young drivers to take care whilst out on the roads to prevent them or their friends and families suffering."

Kat Whitemoss, of the Lancashire Partnership for Road safety, added: "Risk-taking on the roads leads to broken families - imagine how your family would cope if you were to kill yourself while out driving?

"They would be shattered and devastated they certainly wouldn't feel like celebrating Christmas.

"But this is the awful truth of many people's Christmases this year.

"Don't put your family through it - drive safely."

In the coming months the Telegraph will assist in launching a dedicated DVD that can be used by schools to show pupils how irresponsible behaviour behind the wheel can lead to horrific consequences, both for the driver, their friends, families and other innocent parties.

We will also be pushing for further debate in the Houses of Parliament on road safety and graduated licensing, aided by local MPs.