Drama is a crash course

The visit was part of a tour of North Lanarkshire secondary schools, organised to raise awareness of the number of people killed or injured on Scotland's roads each year and to encourage pupils to think about their own safety.

'The Nine Lives of Roddy Hogg' targets first year secondary pupils who are at an increased risk of involvement in a road accident on the journey to school.

'Friends Disunited' meanwhile, is aimed at S5/6, in particular drivers and learner drivers and issues raised include the consequences of speeding. Humorous and witty, the play shows how dreams and ambitions of young people can be shattered by the inexperience and over-confidence of a young driver.

David McDove, the assistant business manager (Roads strategy and safety), North Lanarkshire Council, said: "Research has shown theatre to be an effective way to communicate road safety to young people.

The tour, which was sponsored by Road Safety Scotland, was organised by North Lanarkshire Council's road safety staff.