10.8 C
Manchester
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Community'Safe Drive Stay Alive' project celebrates decade of hard-hitting performances

‘Safe Drive Stay Alive’ project celebrates decade of hard-hitting performances

The hard-hitting ‘Safe Drive Stay Alive‘ project is celebrating a decade of aiming to reduce the number of young people involved in road traffic collisions.

The performance contains elements of the ‘Fatal 4’: speeding, distraction, drink and drug driving, and non-seatbelt wearing.

More than 8,000 sixth form and college students are expected to see the show this year, making it more than 50,000 students across Greater Manchester who have seen it in the last ten years.

The show is running until Friday, November 17 and is funded by Safer Roads GM Partnership – which comprises of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

A person wearing a black top holding a piece of paper.

Ann-Marie Hornsby joined emergency services on stage to talk about the death of her son, Colin, from Droylsden at this year’s first performance

Inexperience

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.

Careless driving

Deputy Mayor for policing, crime, criminal justice and fire, Kate Green, said: “Our emergency services witness the devastating consequences of careless driving on a daily basis and our firefighters now rescue more people from road traffic collisions than fires.

“Safe Drive Stay Alive is part of our commitment to reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. The sobering and moving testimonies delivered by emergency service workers and families impacted by road traffic collisions are a powerful way to educate young people as they approach driving age.”

Active travel commissioner for Greater Manchester, Dame Sarah Storey, said: “I’m horrified by the deaths and injuries happening on our roads every day – but unlike stabbings or the use of other weapons, this toll goes under-reported – yet the consequences are immeasurable for a huge circle of people around those victims, including the region’s first responders who will bravely share their stories at this event.

“It is for all these reasons I have been leading on the region’s plan to work towards a future where there are no road deaths or serious injuries.

“Under the ‘Vision Zero’ approach everyone who uses the region’s roads will have a role to play in keeping other road users safe and the region’s leaders and transport teams will look to tackle the danger at source by designing the road systems so that mistakes are not so catastrophically costly.”

Engaging young drivers

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.”

Peter Boulton, TfGM head of highways, control and operational support, said: “The Safer Roads Greater Manchester Partnership are delighted to continue to support and fund Safe Drive Stay Alive. Our young people are disproportionately represented in the killed and seriously injured collisions within Greater Manchester.

“This multi-agency, thought provoking programme engages with young drivers, including those starting to drive and their passengers by providing them with the knowledge on the consequences of risk taking and aims to positively influence their attitude and behaviour both for today and the future.”

 

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
Latest

Investigators appeal following road traffic collision in Wigan

Police are appealing for witnesses following a road collision in Leigh, Wigan. At around 3pm on Monday, officers were called to the junction of Kirkhall...

Daredevil Malcolm Guest forsakes wheelchair for charity zip wire challenge

Malcolm Guest is taking to the skies for a zip wire challenge in aid of the MS Therapy Centre. On April 15, the 64-year-old from...

Kaur Sutherland Champions Wellbeing-Focused Conveyancing Practice

As demands on the conveyancing sector continue to rise, law firms are being challenged to maintain quality, stay profitable, and look after the mental...

XIMEA Introduces World-Leading 245MP Camera with Sony IMX811 BSI Sensor

Renowned for its innovation in high-performance imaging, XIMEA has added a new powerhouse to its xiX-XL line – a medium format camera equipped with...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Interactive roadshows set to help people identify bowel cancer symptoms

Two interactive roadshows are taking place in Manchester to help people identify the symptoms of bowel cancer. New research reveals that 35% of adults in...

Reflect Clinic Marks Mother’s Day by Empowering Women Through Personalised Mummy Makeover

As Mother’s Day approaches, Reflect Clinic is encouraging women to focus on their own wellbeing with its signature Mummy Makeover – a customised procedure...

Economic survey reveals inflation is ‘number one concern’ for Greater Manchester businesses

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce has released the findings of its Quarterly Economic Survey, providing a decisive snapshot of the region's economic health amidst...

Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity raises £40,000 at 2025 Gala Dinner

A night of dinner, dancing and a surprise DJ set from Andy Burnham has raised £40,000 for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity – more than...

More News

Multi-million pound cash injection for vacant brownfield site in Rochdale

Long-awaited redevelopment of a vacant brownfield site in Rochdale has moved a step closer, following a £15 million grant from the government’s community regeneration...

Preservation plans revealed for Ramsbottom’s Peel Tower thanks to grant

A £57,000 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant will enable a condition survey to be carried out at Ramsbottom's Peel Tower, with a view to...

Greater Manchester residents rallied for a ‘repair revolution’

Community groups and retailers across Greater Manchester have signed up to take part in this year’s Repair Week 2025 to rally residents around a...