Buses are among the safest vehicles on the road – even in city traffic. Nevertheless, accidents are, of course, sometimes unavoidable. Mercedes-Benz has ensured that the consequences of the accident are as limited as possible. For example, the sidewall reinforcement of the vehicle is an essential factor in its high level of passive safety. In the event of a rear-end collision, the reinforced front section minimises the consequences of an accident and protects the driver better.

In addition, the vehicle has partition walls, grab rails and special seating which absorb energy in an impact or if the vehicle overturns. This provides essential protection for the occupants.

The strength of the bus/touring coach body is also an important factor for the level of passive safety of a bus/touring coach. Its resilience can mitigate the consequences of an accident. The high strength of our vehicles' bus/touring coach bodies is guaranteed in part by all-round, weight-optimised annular frames. The rigidity is defined in accordance with regulation UN ECE-R 66.02. It specifies the exact "survival space" which must be guaranteed by the structural design in the event of an accident.

Building safe vehicles is the top priority within the integral safety concept of Mercedes-Benz. This also includes all measures that help to mitigate the consequences of an accident. An important part of our work is therefore also targeted information for rescue workers. Because detailed knowledge of our vehicles and their safety systems helps the emergency services to reach injured persons more quickly. And thereby to save lives.

If, despite all the safety precautions, an accident should occur, it is important to provide first aid to any injured people as quickly as possible. As the driver may also be injured in an accident and thus not always able to assist passengers, the first-aid kit and fire extinguisher aboard the vehicle are accessible and clearly marked. The first-aid kit is located in the entry area next to the driver. That means both the driver and passengers can tend to any possible injuries as quickly as possible in the event of an accident.