A SAFE driving initiative is back in the hope of reducing the number of road accidents in Forth Valley.

In 2012, it was reported that 123 young people aged between 16 and 25 years old were seriously injured and 14 killed on roads in Central Scotland.

In a bid to cut the number of incidents, injuries and deaths on the area’s roads, in 2008 the fire and rescue and police services teamed-up as the Central Scotland Road Safety Partnership, launching a Safe Drive Stay Alive initiative.

Six years on, this annual event delivers thought-provoking messages to young drivers by demonstrating in realistic terms the potentially lethal consequences should they fail to understand and accept their responsibilities when getting behind the wheel of a car.

The Safe Drive Stay Alive Roadshow gives first-hand accounts of the devastation a road crash can bring to a family and are given by victims of accidents and surviving family members.

With some of the country’s most scenic rural routes, emergency services operating in the Clackmannanshire, and Falkirk know as well as any the horrific consequences of careless and irresponsible driving.   Last year saw Safe Drive Stay Alive Central win a prestigious Emergency Services Special Award from Central FM for its contribution in reducing road casualty numbers within 16-25 year olds.

Watch Manager Alan Faulds said, “Central Safe Drive has been showcasing its annual road safety show called Safe Drive Stay Alive for six years now. “The show is delivered to 4th year and above pupils from all the high schools within the Forth Valley area. It comprises of a film depicting a typical road collision where young people are involved, including driver distraction, bad driving practices and peer pressure. Interspersed within the film, real emergency service workers go on stage to explain their role in the aftermath of the accident.

“Post-accident footage is then followed up by real life family members of people who have had their lives dramatically changed by a road traffic collision. Their testimonies are hard hitting and can be very emotive to the audience sharing their very serious and long lasting experiences of irresponsible driving.” Mr Faulds added, “Central Safe Drive is a collaborative work that is attended and driven by all the emergency services as well as inputs from Central FM, the Red Cross who all volunteer their services. “Statistics show that road deaths and injuries have fallen over the six years the show has been running which proves that early intervention and education can produce positive results.” Safe Drive, Stay Alive is back at the macrobert art centre at Stirling University from 27 January presenting to 4th year pupils across the area.

There is also a show open to everyone on Thursday 30 January at 7pm. Tickets are free and can be reserved by calling the macrobert box office on 01786 466 666.

For more information on the initiative follow them on Twitter @SDSACentral or on Facebook www.facebook.com/centralsafedrive