Annual Safe Drive Stay Alive Campaign returns

Photo: Greater Manchester Police

The messages are vividly brought to life by 999 workers and the families of young people who have tragically been injured or killed

The annual Safe Drive Stay Alive Campaign returned to Greater Manchester for its 10th year of delivery, as emergency services and families that have lost their loved ones join together to save lives and reduce the number of young people involved in road traffic collisions.

The 'Fatal 4’ - speeding, distraction, drink and drug driving, and non-seatbelt wearing - are covered within the performances, which will be seen this year by more than 8,000 sixth form and college students.

The performance returned to Middleton Arena during the first week of November, and will run until 17 November. It is free to all young people in Greater Manchester.

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.

Superintendent Gareth Parkin from GMP 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.”

GMFRS 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.”

The Safer Roads Partnership comprises of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS), North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).