THE Safe Drive Stay Alive roadshow has returned to the macrobert arts centre in Stirling.

A key tool in reducing the number of incidents, injuries and deaths on the roads, the initiative was launched in 2007 when the fire and rescue and police services teamed up as the Central Scotland Road Safety partnership.

Now it’s back for another year and over 400 school pupils from within Forth Valley are set to benefit from a production which aims to reduce the number of casualties amongst young people.

Watch manager, Alan Faulds, explained: “Central Safe Drive has been showcasing its annual road safety show called Safe Drive Stay Alive since 2007.

“The show is delivered to fourth 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.

“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 seven years the show has been running which proves that early intervention and education can produce positive results.” The annual event is a multi-agency initiative with representatives from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, NHS, local authorities and their relevant Community Safety Partnerships assisting with the organisation and delivery.

The roadshows kicked off on Monday (2 February) and will run until Friday (6 February) with a special evening performance tomorrow (Thursday 5 February) at 7pm for members of the public.

The later show is for those who have young and emerging drivers in their family and to give you a chance to see the production and help promote the safe drive message.

All fifth and sixth year pupils will attend a daytime performance throughout the week.

Tickets are free and can be reserved by calling the macrobert box office on 01786 466 666.

Advice on how to stay safe on the roads is available at http://www.road-safety.org.uk/.

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