THE father of an Eccleshill teenager killed in a road crash plans to visit schools to spread the road safety message.

Saliq Malik, 15, died after a Volkswagon Golf he was a passenger in hit a parked car and lamppost before hitting a wall in Gilpin Street, Barkerend on September 12.

He suffered serious head injuries and died in hospital later the same day.

Now, his father Amjad Malik, 38, of Manor House Gardens, hopes to get across his road safety message further by going into schools in the Bradford district and highlighting the potential dangers on the roads and the impact of fatal collisions on victims' families.

He is currently working with representatives from Bradford Council on the project, provisionally called 'Think Speed, Think Saliq' .

Mr Malik said: "We want people to be aware of what could happen.

"It's straightforward, I would ask teenagers what they get out of going around joyriding.

"We need to get a clear message out to kids and their families and friends.

"I don't think reckless driving is just a problem in Bradford, it's a problem across the UK.

"I'm sure many of the kids I speak to have never had a parent of a victim talk to them before.

"I don't want other parents going through this. The last three months have been hard for us. He is still a part of the family even though he is not around. We go to visit his grave every day.

"There is a lot of pain for the parents and family here. Saliq was jolly and always liked having a laugh and a joke.

"He was only 15 and had plenty of days ahead of him."

Mr Malik organised an event highlighting the risks of reckless driving in memory of Saliq, which attracted more than 200 people to City Park.

The event, held on the steps of Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court on Sunday, December 14, was attended by Saliq's friends and family, Bradford East MP David Ward (Lib Dem) and Bradford Council deputy leader Councillor Imran Hussain (Lab).

Saliq was studying for his GCSEs at Hanson Academy at the time of the crash.

It also featured rappers and music as well as a more traditional safety message.

An Imam also spoke on safety and responsibility issues instead of taking a more religious view.

West Yorkshire Police also attended the event.

Mr Malik added: "It was the first event of its kind and I hope I can organise similar events during the school summer holidays next year.

"This event was to raise awareness of the consequences of reckless driving."

  • A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been bailed until March.

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