Monaghan-based Matthews Coach Hire Ltd has received a national award for road safety. The Inniskeen company was awarded the Road Safety Authority (RSA) 'Education - Business Award' in road safety for 2023. The award was presented to Matthews Coach Hire Ltd by chairperson of the RSA, Liz O'Donnell, at the RSA's Leading Lights in Road Safety Awards in the RDS. Founded in 1995 by Paddy and Mary Matthews, Matthews Coach Hire is recognised as being a leader in the coach transport industry in Ireland, implementing numerous road safety initiatives.
They were honoured for their commitment to road safety for the installation of alcohol ignition interlocks in its fleet of coaches. Speaking to Northern Sound, Paddy Matthews says there vehicle's engines will not start if the driver's alcohol level exceeds a pre-set safety limit.
"There's a breathalyser in every vehicle that we have. So basically the driver blows into the equipment and if there's any trace of alcohol the bus won't start," he explained.
