People Are Being Warned Not To Use Phones Near Luas Trams

People are being warned not to use their phones near Luas trams.

In a safety message, Transdev warned that phones distract people and near misses with people on their phones are on the rise.

While the Luas' safety record is down on last year's number, there are some issues causing problems.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Transdev Communications Manager Dervla Brophy said Luas drivers have noticed a growing number of people with headphones in and their heads down looking at their phone.

Drivers have had to use emergency brakes 223 times so far this year to avoid hitting pedestrians. The figure for the whole of last year was 203.

Luas reminds all road users and pedestrians to mind yourself around the Luas system. Don’t let distractions put your safety at risk.
For further information on staying safe around the Luas, go to https://t.co/pTCb4xqbpj pic.twitter.com/rzhqlKhBv7

— Luas (@Luas) November 5, 2018

Transdev says, "Luas Drivers have an excellent safety record and are trained in defensive driving. They are trained to anticipate this type of behaviour.

"When it happens, the driver applies the emergency brake, the tram stops and the distracted pedestrian, while startled, runs away.

"But on occasion, it is more serious, and a pedestrian is taken to hospital with a serious injury."

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