Welcome aboard Tips for a successful safety announcement: 1. Begin with a cordial welcome that thanks the passengers for choosing the company for their coach travel and assures them that their safety is absolutely the top priority for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
continued 2. Clearly point out and explain each of the various safety features on the vehicle or motorcoach such as emergency exits, all signage, release handles and safety mechanisms, handrails, lighting, fire extinguishers, seat belts where applicable and first aid kits and medical equipment. Repeat the information for each safety feature if warranted.
3. Point out some basic vehicle controls in the driver compartment, such as how to operate the emergency parking brake and how to open the front door. This may be important information if the driver becomes incapacitated. 4. It may be reasonable to take the time to demonstrate some of the safety features on the motorcoach. Many survivors of serious bus and coach accidents have stated they did not know how to get out of the vehicle or how to release the emergency exit hatches. Regardless of how it is delivered, the Welcome Aboard announcement must address the passengers’ basic safety principles that the company requires them to observe and practice while onboard, such as staying seated while the bus is moving, wearing the seatbelt if available and how to safely move about in a moving bus. Discuss some basic emergency procedures. Remind them to remain calm in all circumstances and to look to the driver for leadership in an emergency. Make it clear to passengers how to evacuate the bus in an orderly manner and what they should do once they exit the bus. Give them appropriate emergency numbers and remind them to call 911 to report an emergency or to call the home office if they have onboard safety concerns. For school-aged groups or boisterous partying groups, the safety announcement can also provide a way to establish reasonable onboard noise levels, appropriate forms of conduct and acceptable onboard activities. Remind everyone to be respectful of all passengers and help them to think about the needs of others while onboard during a normal trip as well as in case of emergency. As a closing note, the Welcome Aboard announcement can point out the convenience features and special amenities on the coach that reinforce the company’s wish for a safe and enjoyable trip. End by thanking the customers for their business. BR Veteran safety professional Bob Copestake serves as director of safety for Terrapin Blue, Athens, GA, and previously was vice president for safety at Coach America, overseeing 30 locations in four regions.
16 September 2012
BUSRide