Buses are among the safest vehicles on the road – and that applies in city traffic, too. Nevertheless, accidents are sometimes unavoidable. Mercedes-Benz has ensured that the consequences of the accident are as limited as possible. For example, the vehicles sidewall reinforcement makes a significant contribution to its high levels of passive safety.

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 body is also an important factor for the level of passive safety of a bus. With its resistance, the consequences of an accident can be avoided. The high rigidity of the bus body of our buses is enhanced by weight-optimised annular frames around the body.

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.

Invisible but important advances have been made behind the attractive façade of the Citaro. The bodyshell is still based on the proven annular frame construction ‒ a first-generation Citaro innovation ‒ but it is now even stiffer and thus protects the passengers even better against side impacts.