Limerick bus firm in safety warning as distracted students risk stepping into traffic

STUDENTS walking out in front of school buses, often while distracted, potentially into oncoming traffic, have prompted a Limerick coach company to issue a safety warning.

Griffin’s Coaches are a family-run business for the past 30 years, based in Ardpatrick.

They run a fleet of 16 buses and as well as being known as the transport for the Limerick senior GAA teams, they also have seven school bus contracts, and they bring almost 250 students to and from school, all over Limerick.

Their contracts cover Kilfinane, Glenbrohane, Hospital, Kilmallock, Athlacca and Newcastle West, for both primary and secondary schools.

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Transport manager for Griffin’s Coaches, Áine Griffin told the Limerick Leader that when students are dropped off, often at the side of the road, near their homes, they are regularly distracted, might be looking at their phones and be wearing headphones.

She said there is a very real danger of them walking out into traffic and vehicles might not see them about to cross the road, because of the bus.

“There needs to be more awareness in schools and also at home with the parents and students,” Ms Griffin said.

Ms Griffin said that the drivers are doing what they can, but that the responsibility for safety and watching out for oncoming vehicles, is on the students and their parents or guardians.

“Even having reflective armbands would be a huge help, as the light would reflect off them. The drivers are good and they bring any concerns to us, but we are trying to be pro-active here,” she said, adding that they are seeing a potential danger and they don’t want to see anyone getting hurt.

“The onus is on the parents to instill into the kids that it is their responsibility to cross the road safely,” Ms Griffin said.