Caravanning Guidelines

[SacZONC]

With the warmer weather "here" -- there will be more and more opportunities for cruising, runs, etc .. I thought it might be nice to put this up. It is a compiled from years of caravanning experience.

For safety and efficiency, here are some guidelines for caravanning.

Two-way radios are becoming increasingly useful and important at these larger events. I suggest to everyone to please buy a handset. You don't need to buy a pair, and in case you do, you can always split the cost with someone else. (With today’s technology advances, cell phones are an option, but remember “hands free”)

The biggest change to how the caravanning will be done is the sub-grouping. I found it much easier to lead/direct a smaller group of cars, than a giant convoy.

1. Caravan will be composed of smaller subgroups of no more than five cars each (four for mountains runs).

2. Each subgroup to have at least two radios.

3. In instances where there is a lack of radios for each person in the subgroup, the formation should be in the order of 1-0-1-0 (or 1-0-0-1-0 in a five car subgroup), where 1 denotes a car with a radio, and 0 as car without.

4. Everyone should know the directions to the destination.

5. The caravan should preferably not exceed the speed limit. However, each subgroup should be composed of like-minded drivers. Meaning those who normally cruise at speed limit should be in their own subgroup, separate from those who prefer to go a little faster.

6. All cars should turn their headlights on. This lets the lead driver keep track of the cars in the subgroup, and gives the group better visibility to other cars not in the caravan.

7. The caravan/subgroup should travel in single file with plenty of space in-between cars whenever safely possible. Understand that there will be times where you will be cut off from the caravan/subgroup. That's okay. Use the radios and be knowledgable of the travel path to keep yourself from depending on following the lead car too closely, or dangerously overspeeding.

8. If you want to pass another member in the caravan, communicate ahead with the plan, and pass when safe.

9. If, for some reason, the order is thrown off during the caravan, do not try to pass or slow down in order to get back into your original position. You're all going to the same place. The only ones who may need to get back into position are the lead cars, and the tail end with the two-way radio.

10. If you are separated from the group, do not try to re-merge with the group unless it is safe to do so. Until then, drive cautiously, as if you were on your own.

11. Lead cars should alert caravan members of turns, merges, and exits in advance. Sometimes messages are not clear, cut off, or simply not heard. You should repeat your direction/alert messages whenever communicating via two-way radio.


Please remember that caravans are not races. Mountain runs are not races. Travel at your own comfortable speed, even if that means falling out of the convoy.

Other things to keep in mind, ALWAYS use turn signals. When changing lanes, it would make things a lot easier when the last car makes makes the lane change first in order to make room for cars ahead. Lead cars should reciprocate by letting the group know in advance that a lane change will be made by radio and turn signal. Think of the caravan as a big freight truck. You're going to need a lot of room and time to turn, slow down, and accelerate.

In case of emergencies:

1. If there are dangers ahead, ie an accident, debris on the roadway, CHP, etc. lead cars should caution the rest of the caravan.

2. If anyone in the caravan is stopped by CHP, the affected caravan subsection should continue and (optionally) safely stop at the next nearest exit to wait for the stray member. The member who is being stopped should alert the rest of the caravan, if the caravan is unaware of the CHP, and begin praying.

3. If anyone in the caravan is involved in an accident or auto mechanical failure, the sub-group should pull over and assist said member. Practice caution when pulling off to the side of the road.