Are you planning for a trip? Whether it's for the family, school, or work, it can be a daunting task, especially if you have to think about every detail of the trip. And one of the things you should plan is the transportation.
Since it's a group trip, coach hire is the ideal form of transportation. It allows everyone to be on the same vehicle, take the same route, and lessen the chance of being lost. At the same time, the coach hire often offers a lot of amenities, such as entertainment, a luggage room, and a toilet.
But how do coach hire companies ensure the safety of their passengers? In this article, we'll discuss some of these safety protocols.
1. Drivers are Experienced and Certified
One of the safety precautions that coach hire companies implement is to hire experienced coach drivers. Aside from having a driver's licence, they should have enough experience to drive a coach, even for miles.
Usually, they perform a background check on the driver applying to be a part of their team, and analyse their driving history (if possible). In addition, the drivers undergo training about the protocols that the coach hire company implements, so that every driver knows the same things about the company.
2. Vehicles are Regularly Maintained
Aside from the driver, the vehicle should always be in good condition, which is why regular maintenance is a must. Usually, coach hire companies follow a strict maintenance schedule, so that every vehicle can be used no matter how far the trip is.
When it comes to maintenance, they usually check the lights, signals, brakes, tyres, suspension system, steering, seat belts, and other safety equipment. Of course, when it comes to maintenance, they usually have an in-house mechanical team to handle the vehicles.
3. Safety Inspections are Also Done
The routine maintenance isn't the only thing that should be done to the vehicle, but it should also be inspected every time it's being used. Although maintenance can be a more thorough process, these checks before trips can significantly help in handling last-minute issues.
Some companies even welcome random inspection from the local transport authorities to ensure that their vehicles are all in good shape.
4. They Implement Onboard Safety Features
Once everyone is on board, there are also safety features that are used to ensure the safety of the passengers. Some of these features include wearing seatbelts, first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, security cameras, and emergency exits. At the same time, the drivers have proper training about the things they should do in case of an accident or if they encounter challenges along the way.
Since the road can be one of the most hazardous places, coach hire companies ensure that there are enough security measures they implement for the safety of the drivers and passengers.
5. They Also Implement Health Protocols
Many companies, including some coach hire companies, have adapted to the COVID-19 health guidelines. These guidelines are essential, especially since there are many other types of diseases emerging every now and then.
Some of the common health protocols include:
- Checking of temperature
- Regular sanitation of surfaces
- Air filtration system
- Optional wearing of face masks
These protocols may be simple, yet they can significantly help in ensuring that every passenger is feeling well. At the same time, these prevent the spreading of airborne diseases.
6. They Have Updated Insurance and Licensing
Reliable companies are often up-to-date when it comes to paperwork and legal requirements. So, when looking for the ideal coach hire company for your trip, it's best to look for a company that has comprehensive insurance coverage and an updated business licence.
When it comes to the licence, the driver, vehicle, and company should all have a licence. Without the proper licence, the trip may encounter some problems since this means that the company doesn't ensure that the services they provide are the best.
7. There's Real-Time Monitoring and GPS Tracking
Another safety precaution that reliable coach hire companies implement is the use of GPS tracking and real-time monitoring. It's essential that the coach hire companies can monitor the location, route, and speed of their vehicles.
This monitoring practice allows the company to respond to emergencies right away and provide peace of mind to the passengers, knowing that they're being monitored.
8. They Ensure Passenger Briefings and Support
Usually, coach hire companies offer a brief explanation of the safety guidelines before the trip starts. This includes the things they should do in case of emergencies, the available amenities, and the boarding procedures.
However, if you have questions during the trip, you can also ask the driver. In addition, coach hire companies also offer 24/7 customer support to assist customers during their trip.
Final Thoughts
If you're planning for a trip and looking for the best coach hire company, there are a things to consider before choosing the right one. By considering the safety protocols listed in this article, it's easier to find the best coach hire for your trip.
