Safe Drive Stay Alive
Police..paramedics and families who've lost loved ones are getting together to deliver a hard-hitting message to students in Greater Manchester
Tens of thousands of pupils across Greater Manchester are being shown first hand the devastating effects of speeding or breaking the law behind the wheel.
Safe Drive Stay Alive was launched in 2014 by Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, Salford Royal NHS Trust and bereaved family members, in an attempt to reduce the number of young driver deaths.
WATCH: PC Jerry Bacchus tells us why the project is so important:
The parents of Rochdale man Joseph Brown-Lartey will also be speaking at he event. He was killed when a dangerous driver sped through a red light at 80mph in a 30 zone, hitting Joseph's car and splitting it in two. They're using the wreckage of his car to raise awareness and education - as well as calling on the Government for stiffer sentences, as part of KEY103's Justice for Joseph campaign.
A SDSA spokesperson said: “Unfortunately we see a number of avoidable deaths of young drivers every year, some due to circumstances such as speeding or being distracted whilst driving. The devastating impact, not only on the families and friends of the victims, but also on the emergency service and hospital workers who have to deal with the aftermath, will never be known by those who tragically lose their lives. This is why we showcase the hard hitting, real life experiences in the hope that we can save lives by highlighting the benefits of safe driving.”
The 18 ninety minute performances are delivered over two weeks and feature emergency service and hospital staff, surviving victims of serious collisions and family members that have lost loved ones. They individually talk to the audience about their own personal experiences of a tragic road traffic collision.
Area Manager, Tony Hunter, Head of Prevention for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are extremely proud to lead on this essential partnership initiative, and are committed to making sure young people in Greater Manchester are aware of the huge responsibilities they hold when behind the wheel of a car. We want every young person to enjoy the freedom that driving can bring, but to always be careful to keep themselves and their friends safe. Safe Drive Stay Alive is offered free of charge to all our Greater Manchester colleges and they consistently tell us that our performances have a profound and lasting positive affect on students attitudes towards driving.”
Great Manchester Police Inspector Susan Redfern said: ‘The Safe Drive Stay Alive initiative is now in its third year, and together with a number of partners, we continue with the important work of informing young drivers about the potential tragic and life changing consequences that can occur following a collision. Not only can young drivers be affected, but also their passengers, fellow road users and pedestrians. “There are still far too many young people being injured or losing their lives on our roads. This may be down to younger drivers having an increased confidence in their own abilities, but with limited experience of driving in various road conditions. “Safe Drive Stay Alive isn’t about demonising young drivers; it’s simply about educating and empowering them to stay safe on our roads.”
Martin Smith, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Salford Royal, said: “Being a Major Trauma Centre, we unfortunately see the devastating effects caused by road accidents. “Although the treatments we are able to deliver today have certainly improved over the years, the best treatment will always be prevention. “Salford Royal is proud to be part of Safe Drive Stay Alive; it’s a powerful, moving event that stops me in my tracks every time I have taken part. Seeing the faces of the audience members as they file past at the end always shows that the performance has had an impact. “It’s a privilege to work alongside the other emergency services and together, hopefully, we can make a difference and show young people that getting behind the wheel is a major responsibility and one that can have very serious consequences if it is not taken seriously.”
Steve Hynes, North West Ambulance Service’s Head of Service for Greater Manchester added: “NWAS staff unfortunately see first-hand the consequences of a serious road traffic accident and therefore we are delighted to support this important initiative once again.”