Safety from A-Z

Technology in touring coaches

Riding a bus has proven to be the safest form of travel. The risk of having an accident is many times higher in individual transport. Providing the greatest possible safety is the challenge that Mercedes-Benz sets for its touring coaches – a challenge that it meets in exemplary style.

With the help of a camera system behind the windscreen the Lane Assistant (SPA) recognises when the vehicle is in danger of inadvertently straying from the traffic lane. The SPA continually monitors the distance of the bus to the lane marker lines on the road surface. If the vehicle starts drifting towards the marker lines, the driver is warned via pulsating on the corresponding side of the seat. The SPA is activated from a speed of 70 km/h and switches off when the indicator is operated, for example when the driver initiates an intentional lane change.

Improved handling safety is guaranteed by the directional stability from the chassis and the smooth steering. The independent front suspension enhances driving safety by ensuring excellent straight-line stability. The steering characteristics also benefit as irregularities in the road surface have less of an influence on the steering. Moreover, the front wheels are not affected by each other if the characteristics of the road surface on the left and right differ from each other.

The rain and light sensor are integrated into a single element. The rain sensor responds to precipitation on the windscreen and regulates the activation of the windscreen wipers depending on the quantity of precipitation on the windscreen and the speed of the vehicle. The light sensor, which is also integrated, is interconnected with the light that automatically switches on when it is dim or the light conditions outside are poor. Both aid the driver, who can then better concentrate on the road conditions.