Irish Drivers Raise Concerns Over Students Crossing Too Early After School Buses

In Kilkenny, Ireland, school bus drivers are sounding the alarm over children stepping off buses prematurely and crossing in front, putting themselves at risk. Many of the routes operate on rural roads where other vehicles cannot overtake while buses are stopping.

Drivers have long taught students to wait until the bus has pulled away before crossing — but recent observations show that message is not always being followed. “The bus isn’t gone maybe two or three seconds, and they are out across the front,” one driver noted.

To address the danger, drivers are urging parents, school staff, and road authorities to step up safety education. They propose a national road-safety campaign in collaboration with Transport and Education ministries, and stronger reinforcement of crossing protocols.