Updated official statistics for Europe and Germany and results of indepth studies give a short overview on the accident situation. For severe coach accidents rollover and frontal impacts are still the most important scenarios. Regarding rollover the superstructures of new coaches have to be improved to meet the requirements of the revised ECE-R 66-01. This was reached by installing a safety cage made of high-strength steel. Regarding frontal impacts the structure of the front end has been improved on a voluntary basis using advanced numerical simulations supplemented by pendulum and full-scale crash tests. As a result a new safety system, called Front Collision Guard, was developed and implemented in the latest series of Setra and Mercedes-Benz coaches. Seats and restraint systems used in coaches meet the requirements of ECE-R 14 and ECE-R HO. Not only the secondary (passive) safety is improved but the primary (active) safety as well: The latest generation of Active Brake Assist, the ABA 2, not only recognises moving vehicles ahead, but also non-moving obstacles, and automatically initiates partial braking if the driver doesn't react at a dangerously reduced distance. It thus avoids frontal collisions or reduces their consequences. Another system warns the driver in case of unintended lane departures. For best safety performance in all kinds of accidents occupants should buckle up in their seats.
Status of the Safety of Coaches - Updated Statistics, Current Standards and Advanced Technical Measures
2014
22 Seiten, Bilder, 34 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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