Driver training for bus drivers: trained to be safe

• Providing safety training for over 25 years
• Learning directly about safety as part of certified training courses
• School bus training for drivers and schoolchildren alike

The focal element of a safe bus journey is the driver. That's why Mercedes-Benz and Setra have been providing bus drivers around Europe with driver training courses for more than 25 years under the Omniplus service brand. Since the beginning of March 1993, more than 18,000 bus drivers have taken part in these safety training courses.

Aim: detecting risks, avoiding dangers, reacting appropriately

Especially when it comes to transporting people, the topic of safety is a major factor. The aim of avoiding dangerous situations thus has the highest priority in the driver training courses which Omniplus provides. The idea behind this is to ensure, where possible, that the numerous safety assistance systems installed in buses from Mercedes-Benz and Setra never need to be triggered. However, should a dangerous situation arise during a journey, the driver should be prepared for it.

Detecting risks, avoiding dangers and reacting appropriately in dangerous situations which may arise are all part of the multi-stage concept of the safety training courses. The courses are delivered by experienced bus trainers. Components of the practical course elements include improving familiarity with the vehicle dimensions as part of handling exercises, as well as braking and evasive action on a range of different road surface types at a variety of speeds, not to mention braking and steering manoeuvres at different speeds in bends.

Another element in improving the safe handling of a touring coach is obtaining detailed information on the function and safe operation of bus safety systems, including the brakes, electronic stability program (ESP) with its numerous sub-functions, Active Brake Assist (ABA), autonomous intelligent cruise control (AICC), and Lane Assist.

Learning directly about safety as part of certified training courses

Participation in a safety training course is a fundamental part of the professional driver qualification prescribed by European law since 2006. When extending their driving licence, bus drivers who transport passengers for commercial reasons must prove they have completed a total of 35 hours of training activities within the space of five years.

In line with this, Omniplus offers certified training courses, including safety training courses. The safety training courses at Omniplus follow a multi-stage concept. The portfolio ranges from one-day intensive courses at the bus company's own location (Basic safety training) or in various other driving safety centres (Basic Plus safety training), not to mention comprehensive driving tuition as part of a two-and-a-half day programme (Premium safety training). During the Premium safety training, additional aims include how to behave in the event of a breakdown, accident or fire. Specific training vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and Setra are used for delivering the training course, but upon request, it is possible to use the customer's own vehicles.

The expert trainers from Omniplus also offer numerous additional courses and training events for bus drivers. Safety aspects are an important part of this. At the ExpertHandling course, for example, bus drivers learn about the complex interactions of the technical features of their own bus and discover how they can apply this knowledge in their daily work. This makes it a perfect complement to safety training. The same applies to the emergency training. Here, bus drivers learn how to react properly in emergency situations and how to keep a cool head in dangerous circumstances.

School bus training for drivers and schoolchildren alike

Equally offered is a special school bus training course, both for drivers and for school classes. This training takes place on-location at the school and comprises both a theoretical and an indispensable practical component which allows the children to experience safety for themselves. Omniplus also offers drivers communication training on how to behave around passengers. As part of the Eco Training, participants learn the theory and practice behind implementing altered driving behaviour which can reduce fuel consumption by up to ten percent. Finally, a further module imparts knowledge on driving and rest times, as well as on how to use the digital tachograph. Two additional training courses on "Fitness, food and first aid" and "Dealing with persons with reduced mobility and first aid" round off the programme. Safety aspects are an important feature of all training courses.