STUDENTS from across Bolton have been learning about staying safe on the road from the people who know all too well the tragic consequences of dangerous driving.

Safe Drive Stay Alive has been held at Middleton Arena over the past fortnight and puts on a series of emotionally engaging performances to get through to young people.

The 90 minute performance is being delivered 20 times between Monday, November 6 and this Friday and features emergency service and hospital staff, surviving victims of serious road traffic incidents and family members speaking of their own experiences of crashes and coping with the consequences and wider effects.

More than 9,500 college students from across Greater Manchester will attend over the fortnight and

among those attending are students from Bolton College, Bolton Sixth Form College and Bolton Wanderers academy players.

Among the people speaking during the performances is Brooke Trotter, who is sharing his personal struggles after sustaining a brain injury when he was knocked down by a car whilst walking home after a night out in Manchester.

He explains how his young life was changed forever as he could no longer take part in the same experiences and adventures his friends went on to have.

The performances use a mixture of live speakers and film to encourage young people to face up to the realities of careless driving and to realise the huge responsibilities that a driving licence brings with it.

GMP Chief Superintendent John O’Hare said: “Our officers regularly attend road traffic collisions and can be met with some of the most horrific scenes.

“Collisions are often caused by drivers being distracted for various reasons such as mobile phones, other passengers or loud music. These factors are particularly prevalent with young people and the change in legislation back in March now means that drivers who are caught using their mobile phone within two years of passing their test will have their licence revoked.

“GMP is keen to educate the public on the importance of road safety as much as possible, which is why we are involved in Safe Drive Stay Alive.

“The first-hand accounts from those involved and affected by a road traffic collision are so powerful and really demonstrate why driving safely with care and consideration for other road users is so important.

“The message is simple – Safe Drive Stay Alive.”

Speaking about the event, David Ratcliffe, service's medical director at NWAS, added: "It will hopefully make them realise the benefits of safe driving and that they have a responsibility as both a driver and a passenger to help prevent more tragedy on our roads.”

To find out more go to www.safedrivegm.co.uk