A theatre group is taking a dramatic approach to road safety by teaching Surrey schoolchildren to steer clear of danger.

Actors from Theatre in Education will be visiting schools throughout the county in a bid to cut down child pedestrian casualties as part of a £1m county council and Surrey police campaign.

Separate shows aimed at younger and older secondary school pupils will aim to remind them a moment’s distraction while crossing the road can have devastating consequences.

The show for older pupils in years 12 and 13 will also cover speeding, alcohol and drug safety and peer pressure as driver and passenger Kay Hammond, cabinet member for community at Surrey County Council, said: “It is so easy for young people to get distracted when they are out having fun with friends or walking to school listening to their iPods, but not paying attention to the road for even a second can lead to injury or even death.

“As children grow up they are keen for some independence to explore the world around them so our aim is to make sure they have all the knowledge they need to do this safely.”