WILLER EXPRESSSafety and security initiatives
Reflecting our awareness that preventing traffic accidents caused by drowsiness or health issues, which can lead to serious incidents, is a critical challenge, we’ve introduced both health management initiatives for our highway bus drivers and advanced IoT-based operational support.
- Preventing accidents = Driver health promotion + IoT utilization
- While driving
- Detecting drowsiness or sudden changes in drivers' physical condition
- While driving
- Measures to address hazards
- Before and after driving
- Measures to prevent accidents caused by drivers' health conditions
On-the-road safety measures
Detecting drowsiness and sudden changes in drivers' physical condition and responding immediately
We prevent human error–related accidents and support safe driving by putting next-generation vehicles equipped with advanced safety systems on the road.
- Driver drowsiness detection device: FEELythm
- FEELythm, a drowsiness detection device, measures drivers’ pulse waves while driving to detect early signs of fatigue or drowsiness, sometimes even before the drivers notice themselves, and alerts them with vibrations. Information is also sent in real time to operations managers, allowing them to issue appropriate remote instructions, for example by directing the driver to take a break.
- Cloud-linked digital tachographs
- By using cloud-based services, digital tachographs allow real-time confirmation of in-vehicle camera footage during operation.
They also automatically collect data such as vehicle speed and sudden braking and acceleration events, which is sent to operations managers. Based on this information, managers can provide direct feedback to drivers, helping prevent accidents before they occur.
We’re adding new vehicles to our fleet. Preventing accidents with cutting-edge safety equipment.
To prevent accidents caused by human error and facilitate safe driving, WILLER EXPRESS is adding next-generation buses equipped with cutting-edge safety equipment to its fleet.
- Emergency brake switch
- Some new vehicles are equipped with an Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS).
In addition to the driver’s seat, switches are also installed in the passenger cabin for use in an emergency.
- Face recognition camera
- A face recognition camera tracks the driver’s facial movements and monitors attentiveness. It detects sideways glances and eye-opening or closing and issues audible and visual warnings in the event of decreased attentiveness.
- Lane recognition camera
- A lane recognition camera warns when the vehicle crosses lane markings, and a distance warning system helps maintain proper following distance to help reduce rear-end collisions.
Safety measures before and after driving (health management)
Health improvement guidance for the drivers before and after driving
Introduction of advanced medical screenings
The most dangerous symptom while driving is sudden loss of consciousness. Brain and heart diseases account for a large proportion of the conditions that cause sudden loss of consciousness.
At WILLER EXPRESS, we’ve already introduced brain screenings (“brain check-ups”), and we’ve bolstered the program by adding cardiac and pulmonary CT scans, detect diseases that may cause sudden loss of consciousness without warning, and help prevent traffic accidents.
Brain screening, cardiac and pulmonary CT, sleep apnea screening, BNP heart failure test, fundus examination
Introduction of advanced medical screenings
Health improvement guidance
In recent years, addressing accidents caused by drivers’ health conditions has become a challenge for the bus industry.
To prevent sudden incapacitation due to lifestyle-related illnesses, resident public health nurses provide health improvement guidance to the drivers in an effort to reduce the risk of illness during driving.
Highway bus drivers, with their varied work patterns, tend to have irregular lifestyles.
We provide healthy menu options, introduce walking routes around dormitories, distribute healthcare newsletters based on medical checkup results, and give advice in public health nurse consultations tailored to each individual’s health challenges. In this way, we help drivers improve their state of health by working together with sales offices and providing ongoing support.
Health improvement guidance
Establishing “Shinkiba BASE”
to promote health
We launched the Shinkiba BASE” initiative to promote health through dietary and sleep management for our drivers, prevent health-related accidents, and provide centralized operational management functions to safeguard the safety of buses and drivers traveling nationwide.
- Shinkiba DINING
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- This cafeteria serves for drivers.
It serves meals prepared mindfully with an awareness of health management, averaging around 500 calories, daily.
- Dormitory and Head Office building
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- We operate an 80-room dormitory exclusively for drivers.
The facility is fully equipped with facilities to ensure sufficient rest.
- Highway Bus Driver Interview
Highway Bus Driver
As a result of improving my lifestyle based on advice from the company’s public health nurse, I lost 5 kilograms in six months.
Because of my job, I often eat late at night at service areas, but instead of eating ramen as I used to, I now choose soba noodles, and I’ve cut back on the sugary energy drinks I used to consume for comfort.
I also try to go running twice a week while on the road, which has helped me build healthy habits.
Highway Bus Driver
Having opportunities for brain screening and cardiac/pulmonary CT screenings allows me to take preventive measures for conditions I had not been concerned about myself, which I appreciate.
At Shinkiba DINING, I enjoy healthy meals with fish and vegetables that are difficult to get from convenience store lunches, making it easy to maintain a health-conscious diet.
Highway Bus Driver
When my shift starts early, I often make use of the drivers' dormitory.
Because buses depart directly from in front of the dormitory, there’s no commute, making it easy to get enough sleep, which is the greatest benefit. The rooms are furnished like a hotel, with beds, air conditioning, TV, and a refrigerator, allowing for proper rest and good sleep.
Highway Bus Driver
After improving my diet based on advice from the public health nurse, the results of my medical checkups improved.
When eating out, I now choose food with plenty of vegetables, and for drinks I choose tea instead of juice. I realized that paying attention to small things like these is important for health, so I continue to maintain a health-conscious diet.