The Eyes Up, Eric! campaign launch was one of the National Youth Week events at Launceston College.

The initiative aims to increase awareness of the risks of using a mobile phone while driving.

The campaign was developed after consultation with 400 students showed that more than 40 per cent had used their mobile phones while driving to text, make and take calls, and to check Facebook.

The survey also found that young people were generally hesitant to ask other drivers to stop using their mobile phone while behind the wheel.

``Eyes up, Eric!'' compares the risk of using a mobile phone while driving with other risky behaviours, such as surfing with sharks or juggling fire.

Students who took the survey said that encouraging each other was the best way to stop the behaviour.

The campaign therefore encourages young people to take the pledge via www.eyesuperic.com.au not to take the risk.

TasTAFE students will develop a related mobile phone app, which will be available later in the year.