WATCH: Seriously injured victim of hit-and-run tells of how he was left for dead

For those left behind, dealing with the loss of a loved one in a car crash is something they will never get over.

And those injured on the region's roads can spend the rest of their lives dealing with the consequences.

There are almost 900 deaths due to crashes in the West Midlands each year, with firefighters called in to rescue hundreds more from the wreckages of their cars.

Now, as part of a new drive to cut the numbers killed on injured in crashes across the West Midlands, a powerful new video has been released featuring two families talking about the heartbreak they have faced.

The video is entitled Ripple Effect, because of the effect that one person's death can have on dozens of people.

It features the stories of Stuart Fisher, from Walsall, and Sarah Child, who was struck by a car along with her sister Claire while crossing Walsall Road, Great Barr.

Police chiefs hope the emotion of their stories will held people think more about their actions on the region's roads in a bid to cut the number of deaths or serious injuries on West Midlands roads in 2013.

Mr Fisher, now 36, was left for dead when he was struck by a speeding driver while on holiday with friends from Sutton College in Blackpool, aged 17.

The incident caused a serious head injury, which left him brain-damaged.

As well as testimony from Mr Fisher and his parents about how the crash has changed their lives forever, the video also shows police helicopter CCTV footage of the shocking moment Mr Fisher is hit while crossing the road on the promenade.

The stolen car, which was being pursued by police, is seen veering into the wrong carriageway, and as it snakes its way through oncoming traffic Stuart and others can be seen starting to cross the road.

After the car hits him, he is then thrown over the top and dragged along the carriageway.

In the video, an initiative from West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service, Stuart says: "I can't remember anything because obviously after I got run over I was in a coma for a long time.

"On the inside I know what I want to say and do, but I feel like something is holding me back.

"Just going to Blackpool for one weekend, I've not only destroyed my own life, but the life of my parents. I feel like everything is my fault.

"I would have loved to have looked after them in their old age, but I feel they are looking after me now."

After hitting Stuart, the driver carried on for around 14 miles more before running out of petrol and being caught by the police. Stuart, who grew up and still lives in Park Hall, was left in a wheelchair and had to learn how to eat, talk and walk again.

He was hit by Darren Green, who was jailed for four-and-a-half-years for grievous bodily harm and aggravated vehicle taking. He carried on driving for 14 miles before being stopped by police.

The video has now been viewed more than 3,000 times since it was first put on YouTube on Friday, and Stuart's father Barry, aged 75, is pleased with the response it has been getting.

He said: "It's very good, I think they have done it extremely well, and it's getting the message over about what speed and silliness on the roads can do.

"Driving around you will see at least half a dozen idiots who cut across you, and you think 'my goodness, how close was that?'

"If they only could see what happened to Stuart they wouldn't do these things, and sometimes you wonder if they grasp what's going on behind the wheel."

Since the crash Stuart and his family have spent around 15 years working with different organisations, including West Midlands Fire Service, to help educate other people about the dangers of the roads. Recently they have been visiting with young offenders.

Stuart was made an MBE in 2010 for his voluntary work with the West Midlands Fire Service Casualty Reduction Team.

The harrowing video, which is interspersed with facts and figures about road safety from Birmingham's Gilbertstone Primary School pupils, also tells the tragic story of Sarah Child.

The 26-year-old died after being struck by a car near the Co-operative supermarket in Walsall Road, Great Barr, in July 2012.

Her sister Claire, 24, had been 30 weeks pregnant at the time and was also crossing the road with Sarah. She was rushed to hospital with a serious leg injury.

In the video, their mother Avril Child from Birmingham describes the awful moment, saying that the driver was travelling at around 70 mph when he hit the two women.

She says: "Sarah was bleeding a lot from the head, a lot of people crowded around and there was a nurse that came to her aid, who was in the opposite traffic. She stroked Sarah's hair and her face, and she took her last breaths.

"Claire shouted 'Sarah', but she couldn't get to her because her legs were injured and Sarah had her back to her.

"She didn't know Sarah had died."

She adds: "Why go that fast? He was still going to get wherever he was going, so why risk anyone's life in an area where there are pedestrians and school children crossing .

"He had no thought for anyone but himself.

"He's now taken one of our precious things away from us, he's taken Sarah's life away from her, and what for? To get somewhere five or 10 minutes faster."

Amirul Islam, of Lozells, Birmingham, was jailed for four years in June last year after he admitted an offence of causing death by dangerous driving.

The Ripple Effect project is a joint initiative between West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service, led by Sergeant Russell Webb and watch commander Paul Bayliss, who are both based in Yardley in Birmingham.

The video features the officers and colleagues talking openly about the scenes they attend and the horror that often faces them in the aftermath of crash sites.

Mr Bayliss said: "We're really pleased that so many people have watched the video so soon.

"It's not easy to watch, but then it's not an easy subject to talk about.

"We hoped that people would relate to the real families and their real stories, and that seems to be happening.

"The key thing is that people watch, then share it with as many drivers as they know. There are some important messages in the video, and we want as many people as possible to hear them."

Sergeant Webb added: "We're really pleased with how the video has turned out, which is due in no small part to the bravery and dignity of the two families who agreed to be filmed.

"Their stories are incredibly powerful and emotional. Anyone who watches it will be moved and deeply affected by what they see and hear.

"We know that speeding and the anti-social use of vehicles are key concerns for our communities.

"The video will be used on a speed awareness course we offer with the police at Hay Mills fire station, and we're aiming to get a copy to all of our sixth forms and driving test centres.

"We want as many people as possible to see the video, here in the West Midlands and further afield. We'd like it to get a life of its own as people share it online and via social media. We hope it will save at least one life, but ideally many."

Sandwell Councillor John Edwards is the chairman of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, and also hopes the the video will drive the message home.

He said: "Firefighters in the West Midlands extricated 451 people from wrecked vehicles last year. We are confident this video will play a key role in helping to lower that figure and prevent some of the loss of life and dreadful injuries that are happening on our roads every day."

Meanwhile new West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson has also praised the project.

He said: "Nearly 900 people were killed or seriously injured on West Midlands roads in 2013. In each case, victims, friends and families facing awful tragedy, bereavement and life changing injuries.

"This powerful film, made possible by two courageous families, should challenge each one of us to think about how we drive and the consequences of speeding and carelessness behind the wheel.

"Road safety is one of my key priorities and I will do whatever I can to make our roads safer for everyone, especially our children.

"I sincerely believe that this film, which is so clear on the consequences of dangerous driving, will help get the message through."