By KLTV Newsdesk –

Theatre-in-education programme teaches vital life lessons through powerful performance and interactive workshops

An innovative road safety initiative is making waves across West Yorkshire, using drama to reach more than 13,000 Year 7 students in 83 schools.

The Split Second project is a dynamic theatre show paired with an interactive workshop and a supporting teacher resource pack.

It brings to life everyday challenges faced by teenagers, such as friendships, school pressures, and navigating journeys to and from school, with a vital message about road safety.

Through the story of characters Charlie, Alya, and Ash, professional actors highlight how seemingly minor decisions can have life-altering consequences.

The performance underscores the idea that it takes only a split second for something to go drastically wrong.

Relatable Story, Lasting Impact

The programme was well received by pupils across the region. Many shared that they now feel more aware of the risks they face near roads and how they can make safer choices.

The show tackles issues such as distractions from electronic devices, peer pressure, and the importance of making healthy, informed decisions.

Dixons McMillan Academy in Bradford was one of the most recent schools to host the programme.

Chloe Swain, Head of Key Stage 3 at the Academy, said: “At Dixons McMillan Academy, we understand how important it is for students to be aware and take responsibility for themselves whilst travelling to and from school.

“It was fantastic to see Year 7 engaged and enthusiastically watching the performance and taking part in the workshop.”

Backed by Leaders and Experts

The project is run by Collingwood Learning and funded by the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Partnership, which aims to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries in the region by 2040.

Key figures, including Alison Lowe OBE, Chair of the Vision Zero Partnership and West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, and Assistant Chief Constable Rob McCoubrey of West Yorkshire Police, attended one of the recent performances in Bradford.

Deputy Mayor Lowe said: “It was fantastic to see young people so engaged with this initiative, which clearly resonated with them.

“In 2023, there were 327 child pedestrians injured in road collisions in the county.

“Every single one of those is heartbreaking, and we must all continue to do everything in our power to protect our young people.”

Assistant Chief Constable McCoubrey added: “It is important for people of all ages to understand road safety messages.

“Initiatives like Split Second really help in reaching young people, and I hope everyone who has seen the performance has taken something away from it.

“We remain committed to making our roads safer for all road users and working as part of the Vision Zero partnership to reduce the number of serious injury and fatal collisions in West Yorkshire.”

A Vision for Zero Harm

Chris Simes, Managing Director at Collingwood Learning, expressed pride in the project’s positive outcomes: “We are delighted to partner with West Yorkshire Vision Zero to deliver this important programme.

“At Collingwood Learning, we believe in the power of education to change lives. Split Second is more than just a road safety initiative—it’s about empowering young people to make better decisions, keep themselves safe, and create safer communities for everyone.

“We want to install lifelong habits that will contribute to West Yorkshire Vision Zero’s goal of eliminating road deaths and serious injuries.”

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning & Transport, highlighted local investment in the programme: “In Bradford, we recognise how effective theatre in education can be, especially for Year 7 students who are gaining more independence.

“That’s why we’ve funded a further 10 performances – to ensure even more young people benefit from these engaging road safety performances. This is part of our commitment to Vision Zero.”