FlixBus Safety Day in Brno – safety first

On October 22, an exciting and unique event took place in Brno: FlixBus held its first practical safety training for Hungarian, Czech, and Slovak drivers, with several media representatives invited to participate actively. The event was hosted at the Masaryk Circuit racetrack, where attendees not only gained theoretical knowledge but also experienced firsthand what it’s like to handle a bus in emergency situations. 

The core of the program involved participants driving various brands of long-distance buses, including 13-14 meter Setra, Irizar, and MAN models, on the track. Drivers faced real challenges during the practical training: they tested their ability to control the bus on slippery surfaces, practiced emergency braking maneuvers, and navigated a slalom course. The training aimed to better prepare drivers for handling dangerous situations in real life, enhancing safety not only for passengers but for all road users.

The three-day event, running from Monday to Wednesday, featured a striking sight of the green FlixBus fleet parked on the racetrack. Tuesday was the busiest day, as dozens of drivers got behind the wheel. These drivers transport passengers daily across national and international routes in Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia. Besides practical sessions, theoretical lectures covered safety, crisis management, and professional communication. Zdeněk Tesárek, FlixBus Czech Business Development Manager, emphasized that “practice makes perfect” and stressed the importance of continuous driver training to ensure passenger safety.

Jan Konopásek, CEO of the Liberec-based UMSE bus company, noted that their staff greatly value such practical training, as it prepares them for real-world traffic challenges. He mentioned that even though FlixBus services are generally rated highly by passengers, there is always room for improvement since any driver may encounter critical situations on the road.

During the event, data from the German statistical office was shared, indicating that long-distance buses are among the safest modes of transport. Their accident rates are significantly lower than those of passenger cars or motorcycles. Flix has long prioritized safety, with two drivers operating every night route and buses equipped with advanced safety features like lane-keeping and brake assist systems. Regular safety training for drivers also exceeds legal requirements, demonstrating the company’s commitment to high safety standards.

Flix safety expert Thorsten Meyer emphasized the importance of seatbelt use in preventing accidents. “Buckling up is the most effective action you can take in any vehicle accident,” he reminded attendees.

Unfortunately, experience shows that passengers often neglect to wear seatbelts, even those who habitually buckle up in cars. Many find them uncomfortable or assume they are safe enough on a large bus, though seatbelts can indeed save lives. The false sense of security is heightened by the fact that bus passengers typically emerge unscathed from collisions with cars, thanks to the luggage compartment acting as a crumple zone and the elevated seating position. However, in rollover accidents, serious injuries are more frequent, as passengers fall from a height of over two meters without the restraint of seatbelts. Flix has launched a campaign encouraging passengers to use seatbelts, with onboard announcements and stickers reminding them of their importance.

During the event, Toropila-Vakula Zsófia, Flix’s Senior Business Development Manager for Hungary, shared local statistics: Flix currently offers direct routes to 25 countries and over 560 destinations from Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary.

This year alone, the network expanded by 99 new stops. During the summer season, passenger traffic between Hungary and Slovakia was particularly high, with increased popularity of routes to Košice and Budapest airports. Among Hungarian passengers, Poland and Romania were top destinations. Additionally, Flix continues its global expansion, operating in over 40 countries across four continents under the FlixBus, FlixTrain, Kamil Koç, and Greyhound brands. The company entered the Indian market in early 2024 and announced plans to expand into Mexico, the world’s third-largest bus market.