Safety
Press Release:
12th October 2009.
Matthews Coaches win prestigious Safety Award.
Press Release: Tuesday 21st October 2008
Matthews First to install Breathalyser system
A fleet of private coaches in County Monaghan has been fitted with a permanent onboard breathalyser system which tests drivers before and during their driving shift. This is the first time the Alcolock 500 system, an alcohol activated vehicle immobiliser, has been fitted anywhere in Ireland.
Matthews Coach Hire Ltd, Inniskeen, Co Monaghan operates a highly successful commuter and tour service and already has a 100% safety record. However, the company decided to fit the technology to further improve passenger safety.
This system ensures zero alcohol tolerance by prompting the driver to take a breath test to measure Breath Alcohol Concentration prior to the start of his/her journey. Should the test fail the coach remains immobilised.
Alcolocks can be retro-fitted to any vehicle. The new technology has impressed the Road Safety Authority and was launched by Chairman, Mr Gay Byrne at the Citynorth Hotel close to Dublin airport today (Tuesday 21st October). A large cross-section of the business, tourism and political sectors were present for the launch which co-incided with National Road Safety Week.
Speaking at the launch Road Safety Authority Chairman, Mr Gay Byrne
said: "In 2006, of the 321 fatal collisions that happened on our roads 78, that's almost a quarter, involved a work related vehicle which was being used in connection with work. Therefore all employers have an added duty of care to those staff employed as professional drivers."
He added: "Matthews Coaches are to be congratulated for this pioneering road safety initiative. I would urge others to follow the example and high standard that they have set."
Matthews Coaches Managing Director," Mr Paddy Matthews, addressing those present said: "At Matthews Coaches all our clients are highly valued and fitting Alcolocks confirms our commitment to their safety."
He continued: "We are fortunate to have a team of extremely professional drivers who adhere to strict rules where alcohol is concerned. The Alcolock system simply removes doubt for everyone. At Matthews our motto has always been – 'We don't follow standards. We set them.' So, Matthews will be ahead of the game where safety in the transport industry is concerned."
Alcolocks are already used extensively in Sweden, Canada, North America and Australia. The Swedish government is already drafting legislation to have Alcolocks fitted to all new buses and trucks by 2010 and to cars by 2012.
