TEENAGERS are being given a stark warning by road safety chiefs in the run up to the New Year.

Lancashire County Council's Road Safety Group is making teenagers aware of the dangers they face on the road during the school holidays as part of the Government's THINK! campaign.

Statistics show that in 2000 some 140 teenagers between the ages of 12-16 were killed on the UK's roads. The current campaign shows the impact of the death of a teenager on his family, friends and girlfriend.

The 50-second film is in a similar style to the feature film Sixth Sense and is currently running at cinemas in Lancashire. The main character is seen at home, with friends, and walking to school. It is only when he rushes across a main road to catch up with his girlfriend, and an approaching car passes through him, that viewers realise he is dead.

County Councillor Nora Ward, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: "The film is quite chilling. Last year 70 teenage pedestrians were killed and over 9,000 injured in the UK. We want people in this age group to be aware of the dangers they face on the roads."

Richard Owens, Senior Road Safety Adviser said: "With many young people socialising with their friends and visiting places, road safety messages are important to keep in mind every time they are out."

The films My House or Ghost will be showing across England, Scotland and Wales until Friday, December 27.