A CHILLING drama has raised road safety issues in Herefordshire schools and persuaded pupils to be properly prepared for travelling.

A powerful performance of Perfect, which aims to increase awareness of road safety, has been seen in nine schools throughout the county.

Herefordshire Council’s road safety unit and the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia teamed up with Liverpool-based Tiny Giants Theatre Company to bring the production to the county’s high schools.

The 50-minute production, performed by professional actors, is aimed at Year 8 and 9 pupils and encourages them to wear seatbelts while riding as passengers.

It is a tragic comedy that follows the tale of Anne, a 13-year-old girl who is severely injured in a car crash and has more than 300 stitches to her face and head.

The play says her injuries would have not been so serious had she been wearing her seatbelt. It also covers issues around peer pressure, driver distraction and teenagers drinking, especially on the streets.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “Last year, there were 163 passengers injured as a result of road traffic collisions, of which 35 were children.

“We do not know how many of these casualties were not wearing seatbelts, what we do know is that seatbelts save lives and reduce injuries.”

Jeff Kay, deputy headteacher of Lady Hawkins School in Kington, said: “The production was a real success – the acting was excellent and the road safety message was very clear and powerful. Feedback from the students has been very positive.”

Afterwards, pupils said the performance was effective at driving home the message and held their attention.

“It was brilliant – no-one was talking or even whispering during the final part,” said Year 10 pupil Adam Redfearn.

l AS winter draws ever nearer, motorists are being urged to take extra care on Herefordshire’s roads.

Figures show an increase in accidents across the county after the clocks go back and temperatures drop.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “Motorists need to be aware that while we grit the county’s roads to prevent ice from forming, it will not prevent them from suffering reduced levels of grip.

“Anyone driving in icy or snowy conditions is urged to lower their speed and allow longer for their journeys.

“Motorists are urged never to drive through floodwater because they don’t know how deep it is or whether there are any hidden dangers lurking underneath.”

Mr Wilcox added that motorists should also check their batteries, antifreeze levels, windscreens, headlight bulbs and tyres.

THE Hereford Times Safer Driving Campaign was launched to encourage safer driving on the county’s roads after a 75% increase in fatal car accidents in 2007 compared to the previous year. For more information about road safety contact: Herefordshire Council, on 01432 260947, offers courses for drivers who have just passed their test and people older than 70.

More information about Mercia Accident Rescue Service (MARS) is available at marsbasics.org.uk.

Time and Place, which makes road safety presentations to young people, can be contacted on 01432 820573.

The police’s seven deadly sins campaign can be viewed at westmercia.police.uk