The IRU safety handbook regroups number of recommendations related to safety issues for bus and coach construction as well as requirement for all bus and coach operators.
// French bus gets the first bus driving simulator
In June 2011, a group of public transport Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) gathered in Biarritz, France, to unveil the first bus equipped to accommodate driving simulator. This mobile training platform, called Cassiopeia, will be used to train 7,000 employees of the group’s 170 members.
The simulator reproduces an authentic driving position, in which the driver faces three 40 inches screens. Cassiopeia can simulate more than fifty scenarios in three modules of behavior in situations of accident, eco-driving and maneuvering, which are not possible to reproduce otherwise.
The bus that hosts this simulator, the Evadys Irisbus, also has a small training room of a dozen places. If the experiment proves successful, the group of coach plans to acquire other equipment of this type.
Driver's checklists are practical tools that help ensure the safety and environmental performance of the bus and coach industry.
Individual driving behaviour is instrumental in improving road safety.
Likewise, eco-friendly driving can reduce fuel consumption and consequently CO2 emissions by up to 10%.
In order to properly address these human factors, the IRU has developed checklists for professional drivers to be constantly reminded of road safety fundamentals and basic eco-driving techniques when performing their duty.
// Winter driving checklist
Winter driving in snow and ice can result in difficult situations for drivers. Some knowledge of how to prepare for winter driving and a few safety tips can make a difficult situation much more manageable and a driver far more capable. In order to prepare for the winter season in the most efficient way, the IRU has developed this checklist aimed at all drivers and transport managers.
ECO-driving is not only an easy and cost efficient way to reduce fuel consumption, greenhouse gases and accident rates, but also an attitude and respect for society as a whole. In order to help drivers adjust their driving behaviour according to different situations, the IRU has developed this checklist of smart, smooth and safe ECO-driving techniques.
Professionally driven coaches are involved in fewer road accidents per km travelled than other vehicles. However, coach drivers need to drive in a responsible manner at all times and show professionalism by anticipating and forgiving stupid and unsafe behaviour by other road users. In order to help the drivers adapting their behaviour, the IRU has developed this checklist.
In order to enhance road safety in tunnels, the IRU has developed this checklist to help coach and truck drivers adjust their behaviour according to different situations.
In order to prevent fire on vehicles, the IRU has worked out a checklist of recommended periodical inspections to be integrated in the maintenance performance activities of the transport operations. Vehicles maintenance on a regular basis can ensure early identification of vehicle problems and defects likely to cause a fire.
