Event Convoys

When travelling in a convoy there are some key factors which are important, both for the safety and security of yourselves and others.

* Success: A successful convoy occurs when ALL members cars are together without significant gaps occupied by other cars.

* Failure: An unsuccessful convoy occurs when people get so badly separated that some get lost and spend the majority of the event trying to find everybody else before even arriving at the venue.

* Organisation: When starting off on a convoy it is a good idea to plan who is going to lead, be halfway and be at the rear. These people should all have a clear understanding of the route ahead, either through knowledge or through Sat-Nav. If you have Sat-Nav, bring it to the event. Radios are also important (see below). If you are going to be regulars on convoys it might be worth purchasing one or both of these items to aid you on your way. At the discretion of all people travelling, it might be worth exchanging mobile phone numbers prior to starting, in case of emergencies.

* Be Aware: When on the convoy ALWAYS look out for the person behind you. As soon as that person gets held up, you must ease off and try to allow them to catch up. In this way, the person ahead of you will be doing the same etc...etc...

* Lost cars: If you get separated and you are in an unknown area, find a space that is safe to pull over and allow people to catch up. Don't be a hero and zoom off ahead. If pulling into a lay-by, try to allow enough room for all the people traveling with you.

* Radios: Walkie-talkie radios are invaluable in these situations. Information can easily be transmitted down through the convoy. They are legal to use providing you use them in accordance with specific manufacturers' instructions, channel to be agred prior to departure.

* Breaking the Convoy: Okay, you want to go for a bit of a burn rather than plodding along with everyone else. Fine! Just make sure you don't do it when someone behind is dependent on you for directions! So long as they can see the person in front of you then you can do what you like.

* Insurance: Be very careful with this one as a number of insurance companies will not look favourably on any claim made if travelling within a convoy. Remember to be VERY careful at all times.

* Other Road Users: Yes, other people do need to use the same roads and highways as you do. Remember, people will get frustrated if they encounter a convoy. People pulling out of side roads is a particularly high risk area as most people travelling on the convoy will be reluctant to let them out! So, please be patient and try to empathise with other road users.

* And Finally: Be safe! We are all bound by the laws of public road use which we must respect at all times. There is no excuse for breaking the law.

Brian could you put this somewhere relevant to meets Etc, i didnt want to post it twice (Local Meets and Official Meets).