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Introduction
Driving and general motoring activities carry some risk, by their nature. The fundamental objective of driving together in a convoy, whether locally, or overseas, is first and foremost meant to reduce that risk as far as possible, so that we can enjoy the drive and activities.
In other words, the fundamental point of a convoy is for safety. Therefore, please understand everything around driving in a convoy is designed around maximizing safety - for the drivers, the passenger, and the general public.
Definitions
Leader. The first car of each convoy. Sometimes referred to as "lead car".
Sweeper. The last car of each convoy. Sometimes referred to as "sweeper car".
Members. The cars within the convoy who are not the Leader or Sweeper. Sometimes referred to as "member cars".
General Principles
There are 2 general reasons why we drive in a convoy:
(a) Maximize safety
(b) Look out for each other
In other words, don't take unnecessary risks in the name of fun, and take care of each other so that everyone reaches their destination safely.
Structure of Convoy
Convoys are led by Leaders and Sweepers. A convoy has a pre-defined ordering:
Sweeper --> Member cars --> Leader ---> (direction of travel)
Leader and Sweeper Duties
The Leader has overall control of the convoy, and will perform the following to the best of his/her ability for benefit of the rest of the convoy:
- Instruct. Give instructions to the other cars in the convoy, to maximize safety. Please understand that the Leader may take actions or give instructions that may sometimes appear unnecessary or redundant, but trust that the Leader is doing it for the sake of safety. The Leader may give ad hoc instructions, having taken into account all circumstances, which may deviate from usual convoy rules and etiquette, as he/she deems fit.
- Control speed. Control the speed of the convoy. The Leader will gradually allow the convoy to increase speed to the point of safety, after setting off from the departure point.
- Inform. Inform on traffic hazards to all convoy members, to give member cars advance notice to prepare to slow down, avoid an obstacle, etc. Typical things that will be called out by the Leader include road or lane obstructions, road damage that needs to be avoided, and road users such as pedestrains and cyclists.
- Check. Ensure that the convoy is intact, by performing radio checks, and with the help of the Sweeper.
The Sweeper has secondary control of the convoy, and will perform the following to the best of his/her ability for the benefit of the rest of the convoy:
- Instruct. The Sweeper may give ad hoc instructions, having taken into account all circumstances, which may deviate from usual convoy rules and etiquette, as he/she deems fit.
- Inform. Inform the Leader on the convoy's structure and progress, including navigating around road or lane obstructions, or navigating roads where the convoy may break line of sight easily or frequently.
- Check. Ensure that the convoy is intact, by performing both visual and radio checks.
Driving Rules and Etiquette
The following are the general rules and etiquette for everyone, unless explicitly instructed by the Leader or Sweeper otherwise. Of course, at the end of the day, as drivers, we need to make judgment calls, based on unexpected events.
We trust that you will adhere to the following rules and etiquette as far as possible, unless you need to exercise a judgment call.
- Structure.
Maintain your position in their respective convoys as far as possible. Travel in a single line convoy at all times. Do not overtake.
At no time shall any member car be behind the Sweeper, and at no time shall any member car overtake the Leader.
- Headlights.
Keep your headlights on so that the convoy is easily identified, but do not high beam unless it is necessary for visibility reasons.
- Communications.
Keep your walkie talkie turned on at all times during the convoy. Ensure that the volume is turned up so you can receive communications. Bring spare batteries or a car charger. You will be informed of the frequency to be used before departure. Please do not switch to any other frequency during the convoy.
- Following and overtaking.
Maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. Do not tailgate. However, do not increase the gap to the point that the convoy is broken and/or radio signal is lost.
If you get stopped at a traffic light or other obstruction, radio in immediately so that the Leader can slow down or stop for you to rejoin the convoy.
Never overtake another convoy member's vehicle just because he/she is driving too slowly.
- Safety first.
Do not drive in a manner that will put yourself, or your other members of the convoy, at risk.
This includes driving beyond the limits of your vehicle, driving beyond your limits, and driving beyond the limits of the convoy.
- Stopping.
If you need to stop for any reason, radio in immediately, and give as much advance notice as possible, so that the Leader can react accordingly.
If the convoy has to stop along the road for any reason, pull over completely off the road as far as possible, so as to avoid obstructing traffic and/or causing danger to and from oncoming traffic.
- Visual contact.
Maintain visual contact with the vehicle in front of, and behind you. Take care of each other and help to ensure that the convoy is intact.
If you lose sight of the vehicle behind you, slow down, and inform the Leader.
If you lose sight of the vehicle in front of you, radio in immediately, and inform the driver of that vehicle and the Leader.
If you have driven a stretch of road faster than the vehicle behind you, slow down on the next stretch of road safely, so that the vehicle behind you can catch up.
Trip Preparations
The following are the general guidelines and reminders. They are not rules, but are written here so that the trip is as smooth as possible.
- Fill up with a full tank of petrol before departure. If you are low of fuel but did not have time to fill up before departure, please inform the Leader.
- Ensure that your vehicle is road worthy and in adequate and appropriate condition for the trip.
- Ensure that your vehicle complies with all regulatory requirements in the country or countries that the trip covers.
Equipment List
Required equipment for all cars.
- Communications set, programmed with Cult of Cars frequencies. If you do not have one, please contact the Cult of Cars admins.
- For Malaysia trips, the necessary payment options (especially Touch N Go card). Ensure that there is sufficient funds in your Touch N Go card.
- Mobile phone with phone data service (i.e., you can access both cellular and data).
- Vehicle and identification documents: (a) vehicle log card, (b) vehicle insurance, (c) your identity card, (d) your passport (if overseas).
- You are encouraged to bring a spare key for your car, and do not leave the spare key inside the car.
Optional equipment for all cars.
- Spare engine oil suitable for your car
- Large bottle of water for your car
- Tyre puncture repair kit
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Torch (with sufficient batteries)
- Car charger (for your mobile devices / walkie talkies)
- Battery jump cables and/or jump start kit
- First aid kit
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