Daimler Buses has announced that it has trained almost 20,000 drivers since Daimler-Benz AG held the first Germany-wide safety training course for bus drivers in March 1993.

The driver is key to keeping any bus/touring coach journey safe. An essential component of Daimler Buses' integral safety concept is, therefore, the driver safety training of the Omniplus service brand for drivers of Mercedes-Benz and Setra.

Mercedes-Benz and Setra have traditionally been industry pioneers in the development of safety and driver assistance systems for buses/touring coaches. However, the decisive factor for accident-free bus/touring coach driving is sitting at the steering wheel – the driver. Daimler Buses therefore supports technical development with intensive and practice-oriented further training of driving personnel.

Graduated range of different driver safety training courses

Since early 1993, training experts have continuously developed the driver safety training. Starting as a professional training course for touring coach drivers, a specific training course for city bus drivers was added to the program in as early as 1994.

A comprehensive, three-day training course in the beginning, Omniplus' safety training is now staggered. The program ranges from a one-day intensive course on site at the bus/touring coach company (Basic safety training) or in various driving safety centres (Basic Plus safety training) to comprehensive premium safety training over two days. Training is provided in Mercedes-Benz and Setra vehicles, or with the customer's own vehicles upon request. The following applies to all: Small groups and a high amount of practical training are the secret to a successful course.

The motto of the safety training course – today as much as back then – is to identify risks, avoid hazards and correctly handle dangerous situations when they do occur. These courses are led by experienced bus/touring coach driving trainers. The practical section includes, among other things, getting to know vehicle dimensions better through handling exercises, braking and avoiding obstacles on different road surfaces at different speeds, and braking and steering when cornering at different speeds.

Increased safety when handling a bus/touring coach also includes detailed information on the function and safe operation of bus/touring coach safety devices such as the brake system, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with its numerous sub-functions, Active Brake Assist (ABA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ART), Lane Guard system (SPA) and other driver assistance systems.

Something that started in 1993 with an initial, specific driver safety training course for bus/touring coach drivers has long since become a self-evident part of advanced professional training. Experts are certain: In addition to the introduction and continuous further development of state-of-the-art safety and driver assistance systems, the training of around 20,000 drivers has now prevented accidents and made driving buses/touring coaches even safer.

Integrated in a variety of practical training courses

Omniplus driver training course experts offer many other courses and advanced training events for bus/touring coach drivers in addition to driver safety training. 

Safety aspects play an important role in this. In ExpertHandling Training, for example, bus/touring coach drivers learn more about the complex correlations between the technical details of their own new bus/touring coach and how they can apply this knowledge in everyday life. This makes it a perfect complement to safety training. The same applies to emergency training. In this training, bus/touring coach drivers learn how to react correctly in emergency situations and how to keep a cool head even in precarious circumstances.

In emergency situation training, bus/touring coach drivers learn how to react correctly in emergency situations and how to keep a cool head even in precarious circumstances.

School bus training is also offered, both for drivers and school students. This training course is held at the respective school and consists of a theoretical and a critical practical component that lets the children experience safety firsthand. Omniplus offers communication training to instruct drivers on how to interact with passengers. The Eco Training course demonstrates to participants in theory and in practice how driving properties enable a fuel reduction of up to 10 percent. Finally, one module deals with driving times, rest periods and handling the digital monitoring device. Training on ‘Fitness, nutrition and first aid’ as well as ‘Interacting with persons with reduced mobility and first aid’ complete the program. Safety aspects are an important part of all training courses.