Buses are among the safest vehicles on the road – and that applies in city traffic, too. Nevertheless, accidents are sometimes unavoidable. Mercedes-Benz has ensured that the consequences of an accident are as limited as possible. For example, the Citaro hybrid features sidewall reinforcement which makes a significant contribution to its high levels of passive safety. In addition, the Citaro hybrid has partition walls, grab rails and special seating which absorb energy in an impact or if the vehicle overturns. This provides essential protection for the occupants.

The strength of the bus body is also an important factor for the level of passive safety of a bus. With its resistance, the consequences of an accident can be avoided. The high rigidity of the bus body of Mercedes-Benz buses is enhanced by weight-optimised annular frames around the body. The rigidity is defined in accordance with regulation ECE-R 66/02. It specifies the exact "survival space" which must be guaranteed by the structural design in the event of an accident.

Building safe vehicles is the top priority within the integral safety concept of Mercedes-Benz. This also includes all measures that help to mitigate the consequences of an accident. Thus an important part of our work sees us sharing precise information with the emergency services: after all, detailed knowledge about our vehicles and their safety systems can help rescue teams reach injured people more quickly. This can save lives.