Hard-hitting road safety campaign aimed at young people marks its 10th anniversary

Safe Drive Stay Alive is a hard-hitting project targeted at sixth form and college students. The messages are vividly brought to life by 999 workers and the families of young people who have tragically been injured or killed.

Being involved in a road traffic collision is one of the biggest risks for young people, with 17-25 year-olds continuing to be disproportionately represented in the casualty statistics of those killed or seriously injured on the roads.

Inexperience means that young people are at particular risk and have less ability to spot hazards, as well as being more likely to take risks such as overtaking or speeding. 133 people have sadly died in road traffic collisions in the last 10 years in Greater Manchester with 1,384 people suffering injuries this year.

This year's project began on Wednesday (November 1) and continues until Friday, November 17. It will be attended this year by more than 8,000 sixth form and college students, making it more than 50,000 students across Greater Manchester who have seen the performance since its inception 10 years ago.

The "Fatal 4” – which consists of speeding, distraction, drink and drug driving, and non-seatbelt wearing – is covered within the performances.

Superintendent Gareth Parkin from Greater Manchester Police said: “GMP continue to be fully committed to supporting Safe Drive, Stay Alive. As we move into the 10th year of delivery, promoting road safety and safe driving amongst our younger road users, it has never been more important to help young people make the right choices when travelling on our roads.”

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service group manager Pat Johnson said: “Safe Drive Stay Alive is an excellent long running multi-agency production that contains clear messages for young people about the consequences of not taking driving seriously.

"The messages are vividly brought to life by 999 workers and the families of young people who have tragically been injured or killed. The production is hard-hitting and moving, and the impact it has on the young people in the audience is tremendous.”