ETF together with ITF and IRU is calling on governments to take urgent action to improve safety for bus and coach drivers in frontal collisions.

In a joint letter addressed to the government representatives in the UNECE Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP), ETF, ITF and IRU highlight that bus drivers remain at serious risk in frontal crashes. This is mainly due to limited frontal deformation space, the drivers seating position at the very front of the vehicle, and the high impact forces generated by heavy passenger vehicles.

Research and accident investigations by the Norwegian Institute of Transport Economics, show that current safety rules are not enough to protect bus drivers in all situations. While active safety systems can help prevent accidents, they cannot fully protect drivers when a crash happens. Stronger passive safety measures are therefore urgently needed.

ETF, ITF and IRU stress that bus drivers have the right to a safe workplace, and that preventing serious injuries and fatalities must be a priority in regulation.

The letter urges the government representatives to work on this issue, including the creation of a dedicated working group as proposed by the Norwegian government. This would help develop practical and balanced solutions that improve driver protection without affecting the sustainability of passenger transport services.

Lastly, the letter stresses that cooperation between governments, manufacturers, operators, workers’ representatives and technical experts will be key to achieving meaningful improvements in safety.

Find the joint letter here.

ETF article on new research from the Norwegian Institute of Transport Economics

ETF manifesto on bus collision safety

ETF conclusions from our bus collision safety event