The family of a teenager who was killed by a dangerous driver are at the forefront of a campaign by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to increase the safety of roads across the region.
Marcus Simmons-Allen was crossing a road in Altrincham, Trafford, with a friend two years ago when he was struck by Connor Matthews, who was driving a Volkswagen Scirocco at around twice the speed limit.
Paula Allen, the mother of the 18-year-old, rushed to the road after she was told by the friend. Marcus was alive, although in a critical condition, and he died at Salford Royal Hospital the following morning.
Ms Allen made a heartbreaking statement in court as 22-year-old Matthews was sentenced to six years and eight months towards the start of last year and now she is at the forefront of a campaign by TfGM to increase the safety of roads across the region, in particular as darker nights draw in.
She said: "The ripple-effect caused by a collision extends beyond the family.
"The loss of Marcus is felt by the community and by his friends who he spent so much time with over the years.
"They have been devastated by his death and people continue to lay tributes at the scene of the crash even now.
"I would never want another family to go through what we have and I would urge all drivers to take extra care on darker nights and to keep a look out for pedestrians crossing the road."
The campaign, called Last Steps, includes appeals by Ms Allen and by her niece, Georgia Ford.
They agreed to share images of Marcus and of his trainers to show the cost of dangerous driving.
Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: "It is devastating to read stories like Paula's.
"As darker nights roll in and conditions become more dangerous on our roads we must all take steps to be more alert and careful when driving and to think of others who are using the road.
"I would urge everyone to get behind the campaign and do all they can to make our streets a safer place.
"If it can save anyone going through what Marcus's family had to experience it will be a success and I am grateful to them for sharing their story for this campaign."
For information go to beenetwork.com/LastSteps.
This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.
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