Safety on the road

I was more than impressed with Kelvin on our trip to Stowe, who had offered his services as our rear-gunner for our convoy of nine Little British Cars. At one point in the rain when one of our cars faltered and had to pull off to the side of the road, Kelvin donned his safety vest and then went about offering his assistance. This was more than I had expected from his role but indicates his level of professionalism when it comes to safety.
Over the early years at FABAC meetings, from time to time we discussed guidelines for our tours and traveling together for safety and to help make them pleasurable for all involved. Here are some that I remember and I encourage you to make suggestions for changes or additions.

• It is the responsibility of the lead car or organizer of the tour to explain the route before departing.
• The lead car should observe speed limits, or agreed upon limits if slower vehicles are involved.
• The lead car should signal and pull off on a safe shoulder after each turn where there is the possibility of someone not making the turn because they got left behind at a red light or traffic. Do not pass the lead car.
• There should always be a 'rear guard', usually some 'dependable' make, with a cell phone or walkie-talkie, who can make sure that no one has problems without someone to help them.  Remember, that it is illegal for the driver to operate one, so make sure your passenger is the operator. Walkie-talkies are useful for all participants in a convoy, so consider picking one up for yourself.
• Cell phone numbers are shared. (This doesn't always help as some of us can't hear or feel a cell phone ringing in our cars, and, in New Brunswick, there is not always adequate reception.)
• If anyone is planning to leave the group, that should be made known to the leader before departing so that the lead and following cars will know.
• Take every opportunity to have a full tank and an empty bladder. ;-)
• We need to make every effort to avoid being a nuisance to other drivers not involved with our group, who wish to pass and move on. Communications between the lead and tail cars should lead to a safe spot to pull over when cars start 'piling up' behind us.
• Avoid tailgating.
• Addendum from Terry (Excellent): Everyone should remember to make sure they can see the member behind them in their mirror. If one does not see their follower for more than a few kms they should slow up to allow the car to catch up.