A HARD-HITTING road safety presentation called ‘The Decision’ has been touring schools and academies this week.

The play visited 10 schools across South Gloucestershire, including Brimsham Green, in Yate, Yate International Academy and Castle School, in Thornbury.

Courtroom drama The Decision focusses on young people between 11 and 14-years-old and their behaviour on and around roads, dealing with pedestrian safety, distraction, carelessness and choices.

The play demonstrates how easy it is not to think about your actions, and highlights how dangerous this can be when near roads. It was watched by about 2,000 year 7 students in total during the week from Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 10.

The play is based on a real life accident and includes flashbacks leading up to the tragic death of a young boy called Jamie.

The action cuts between Jamie’s home life, his school and the courtroom, telling the story from all sides and demonstrating the impact on each person involved after the accident.

At the end of the play the pupils have to decide who was responsible for causing the accident and were asked to vote, as a jury would, as to whether the driver or pedestrian is guilty.

There is a question and answers session at the end, where pupils share some of their own experiences, and a discussion about what may be dangerous when near traffic, for example listening to music, using your phone or being distracted by friends.

Road safety officer Pam Williams said: “We have some of the safest roads in the country here in South Gloucestershire, however this doesn’t mean that we can afford to become complacent.

“Presentations such as this make a huge impact on their audience and really make them think about the issues covered.

“Actually seeing people act out the dangerous situations makes it much more powerful than simply dictating to the children.

“The production had some strong messages that could save lives and the pupils clearly enjoyed it too. If this makes just one pupil change their behaviour and avoid an accident then it is really worthwhile.”