I was really saddened to hear that a lollipop lady Audrey Williams, 79 from Ayr died after being involved in a road traffic accident involving a single decker bus while she was on duty.
The lollipop lady known otherwise as the Forehill Primary Schools crossing patrol officer was struck by a bus on Thursday 13 January 2011. She was treated for a serious head injury and taken to hospital, however, sadly, she passed away due to her serious injuries.
Mrs Williams was a very popular lollipop lady and the news has devastated the pupils who attended Forehill Primary. In circumstances like this, it is only right that the school have made available counselling and support for staff and pupils who are still in shock after hearing of her death.
Mrs Williams had been a lollipop lady for 10 years. Unfortunately, the bus that struck her, was carrying children to a nearby academy and obviously, the children on board that bus were extremely upset by the incident and its consequences. It is not known how the accident occurred, the only fortunate thing is that there were no children crossing the road at the time when the accident occurred. I understand police enquiries are ongoing.
Their may be a perception that people in the road, who have no right to be there, are victims of their own misfortune, however, nothing could be further from the truth. The ultimate liability on the road rests with drivers of any vehicles whether they be an HGV, bus, car, motorcycle or even bicycles! Those on the road have to drive with due care and attention for other road users and should they fail to do so, then they can expect to either be criminally prosecuted by the police and found liable in a compensation claim for personal injury.
