A former Moray footballer will recall how his sporting dreams were snatched away from him this week in an attempt to prevent youngsters suffering a similar fate.
Chris Tucker had to fight for his life after being involved a serious car crash on the A96 Inverness to Aberdeen road near Forres about six years ago.
The 27-year-old sustained a broken hip, pelvis and legs as well as a collapsed diaphragm and lungs in the smash as he travelled home from a match in Dingwall with teammates from the Elgin City youth team.
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The effects of the collision live with him to this day, with problems continue to affect his memory and speech after he had to learn to walk and talk again.
The crash victim, who now lives in Livingston, will now share his story with thousands of youngsters from across the north-east this week in the hard-hitting presentation Safe Drive Stay Alive to show teenagers the dangers on the road.
Mr Tucker said: “The crash ended my career as a footballer, which was hard to take, but it’s been something that I’ve had to deal with.
“My family went through so much at the time. You just don’t realise how bad it was for them.”
During the presentation at Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom, youngsters will be shown graphic scenes from car accidents – and hear from emergency service crews who are called to deal with the aftermath.
Victims of other road accidents and their relatives will also speak about the emotional scars that continue to be felt years after they took place.
Simulators are being provided for school pupils to experience the difference seat belts make, while virtual reality headsets will also be used by the fire service to illustrate the moments after an accident.
Anne Stirling, chairwoman of Aberdeenshire Council’s communities committee, said: “Safe Drive Stay Alive plays a fundamental role in allowing young people to fully appreciate the responsibility they are taking when they get behind the wheel.
“This does not just affect their own safety but, vitally, the wellbeing of their passengers and other drivers.”
A free showing at the Beach Ballroom for members of the public will be held on Wednesday at 7.15pm.
The minimum recommended age for viewing is 13 years old.
