Analysis of the driver's workplace in coaches related to passive safety

The risk to the bus and coach driver is considerably greater than that to the passenger in specific types of accident. Moreover, the protection of the driver is critical in maintaining the control of the vehicle and speeding up the evacuation of passengers. It would, therefore, be desirable for the driver's workplace to present at least the same degree of passive safety as that of the passenger. This paper presents research carried out by INSIA-UPM related to the improvement of the driver's workplace safety. Starting from accident analysis, the necessity of improving the passive safety of drivers is analysed. The main parameters that affect the driver's safety and some possible new tests are presented to protect the driver in the worst cases (front and rear end collision against trucks). Finally, some technological advances which we consider could be gradually incorporated in coaches are presented.