A production combining film and real life anecdotes is being launched as part of Road Safety Week to help encourage careful driving among young people.

The 90-minute ‘Safe Drive, Stay Alive’ hopes the challenges facing inexperienced drivers and passengers, including the hazards of texting, peer pressure, distractions, drinking and drugs.

Run by Harrow Arts Centre and described as “must see viewing for new drivers aged 17-24”, it is a response to news that 5,000 young people were left dead or injured on the road last year in London alone.

Cllr Christine Robson, responsible for Children, Schools and Young People at Harrow Council, said: “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare when you hand over those keys for the first time.

“It’s not that you worry about young drivers doing something stupid. No matter how good a driver you are – this performance really brings home how much damage can be done in just a few short seconds.

“Reading just one text, one tweet – having just one drink too many – and the impact can and does ruin lives.

“I really believe this performance will save lives. That’s how important Road Safety Week is to us.”

The production features a filmed reconstruction of a car crash interspersed with true testimonies from a police officer, a paramedic and firefighters.

A bereaved parent and a seriously injured crash survivor also speak about their ordeals.

It’s part of an educational programme delivered by Harrow and Brent Councils, Transport for London, the NHS and emergency services.