Two businesses in the local area have pledged £40,000 between them to ensure the continued future of Grampian’s Safe Drive Stay Alive road safety event.
The hard-hitting show has been attended by all senior school pupils in the North-east of Scotland for the last thirteen years and a sponsorship appeal was made earlier this year.
Existing sponsors Nexen Petroleum UK pledged their support again for 2018 and have been joined by Schlumberger, making an equal contribution to allow the event to continue.
Contributions have also been made by other local businesses including Suncor Energy UK Ltd, Peter Vardy and Titan Torque Services, which also help secure next year’s show.
Schlumberger’s general manager, Gwenola Boyault, said: “Driving is one of the biggest risks we face each day and anything we can do to help the drivers of tomorrow be safer and more aware is good for everyone.”
The hard-hitting stage show features real life testimony from the emergency services who regularly deal with road collisions and from members of the public whose lives have been affected by road collisions in an extreme and profound way.
It leaves a lasting impression on all who see it, with the intention of cutting the level of death and injury which is seen on local roads.
Tens of thousands of young people about to learn to drive, or who have already passed their test, have benefitted from support by sponsors over the years.
Chair of the Aberdeenshire Community Safety Partnership, Margaret-Jane Cardno, said: “This show has now become a regular feature in the lives of local young people, tens of thousands of whom have now seen the show and had a chance to consider its important messages.
“It’s easy to forget that this important initiative actually relies to a large extent on the time of volunteers and on external financial support, without which it wouldn’t be possible.
“So for that reason, it’s really important to acknowledge the sponsors and volunteers who make this show possible and if it saves even one life, or prevents one life-changing injury on our roads their support has been truly priceless.”
This year’s show is planned for November and will see another 5,000 pupils from Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray attend. A free evening show for the general public is held every year.
By combining real life experiences with an emotive film, the show leaves the audience in little doubt how a mistake or lapse in concentration can change lives forever.
Safe Drive Stay Alive Grampian is a partnership between Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council, Moray Council, Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, NHS Grampian and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
For information about sponsoring or supporting Safe Drive Stay Alive in future, in the first instance please email: sdsa@aberdeenshire.gov.uk