Alongside planes and trains, coaches are one of the safest means of transportation. This is not least due to the fact that particularly strict safety standards apply to coach companies, drivers and the coaches themselves. The safety of coaches is essentially guaranteed by 5 components.
- Component 1: Planning and checks before the journey
Component 2: Safety systems in buses
Component 3: Technical inspection of coaches
Component 4: Requirements for coach drivers
Component 5: Driving and rest times for drivers
1. Planning and checks before the journey
Our dispatchers carry out a thorough route and location check in advance of planned trips. Among other things, the following is checked:
- Is there any oncoming traffic on the route that needs to be taken into account?
- Are there any restricted zones or roadworks on the route?
- Are there height or weight restrictions for vehicles?
- Is access possible without any problems?
- Can passengers disembark safely at the rest area and destination (ground conditions, traffic, lighting, high-visibility vests if necessary, etc.)?
- Can the route be driven in compliance with the prescribed driving and rest periods? If no: Driver overnight stay and parking must be planned.
- Is the vehicle properly prepared, including fuel, technical safety, winter equipment if applicable?
- Are the environmental badge and toll box required for the route available?
- Are there any safety-related special requests from passengers that need to be taken into account?
2. Safety systems in buses
A number of safety systems are prescribed for buses, such as seat belts on all passenger seats, three independently acting braking systems and a speed limiter.
The EU road safety directive “General Safety Regulation” (GSR) specifies further safety systems that apply to all new vehicles from July 2024.
These include an emergency brake display (ESS), a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a turn-off assist system (BSIS) as well as a reversing alert system (REIS) and a moving-off information system (MOIS). A device for the installation of alcohol interlocks (ALC), a driver alertness assistant (DDAW) and an intelligent speed assistant (ISA) are also mandatory for new vehicles.
3. Technical inspection of buses
The main inspection (HU) at the TÜV takes place once a year for buses, unlike for cars. In addition, there is an initial safety inspection six months after the first and six months after the second general inspection. After that, it takes place every three months.
4. Coach drivers
Drivers are of course also of crucial importance for safety. Coach chauffeurs need a class D driving license. According to the Driving License Ordinance (FeV), the license is only issued for a limited period and must be renewed after five years. Bus drivers must also take a theoretical and practical test (basic qualification) at a Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). Commercial drivers must undergo further training every five years and complete driver safety training.
5. Driving and rest times for drivers
The legally prescribed driving and rest periods are also intended to ensure optimum safety on bus journeys. They serve to prevent fatigue and ensure the driver's concentration and alertness. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents. The most important regulations are:
- Daily driving time must not exceed 9 hours; no more than ten hours twice within a week.
- 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving
- A total of eleven hours of rest per day within 24 hours
- Maximum driving time of 56 hours in one week. Max. 90 hours in two consecutive weeks
Our customer service team will be happy to advise you on this topic if you plan a trip.