Convoy - Who's on First

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

If you have other ideas, post them here.

[lvmci]

Get every bus owners cell phone number, on quick dial...

[Runcutter]

From decades ago, driving charter.  Policy was that the most experienced driver led, next most experienced took the last slot.  Leader watched his mirrors for the folks behind, tail end driver watched folks in front and had the experience to address issues.

That first point is important.  Years ago, I developed a church bus safety program, partially in response to a 5-person fatal in Texas.  Church vans were off-route semi-lost. Leader pulled out of a side road, crossed two highway lanes and turned left on 4-lane divided state highway.  Second van pulled out to follow, notwithstanding the oncoming concrete truck.  Killed her and 4 teen passengers.  No evidence, but my training led me to suspect she may have taken a chance in fear of being left behind.  Could have happened that way, if there was a lack of confidence that the leader also made sure not to lose his followers.

Completion of the church bus safety program story -- they weren't interested. Pastors told me that if their volunteer drivers knew how much was at risk -- including personal liability, they'd likely not volunteer to drive.  Sad.

Arthur

[richard5933]

CB is helpful for convoys - can't always depend on cell reception. No towers, no communication.

[Nova Eona]

I'd say everyone should have a CB - if you can afford a bus conversion, there's no excuse for not slapping a cheap short-range radio into it.  I vote for bus with the second person though, with most experienced driver being the deciding factor if there are multiple navigators available.  Having an extra person to coordinate, plot alternate routes in a pinch, and generally focus on the strategic movements is invaluable.

[DoubleEagle]

Each driver should have clear directions, and/or a good navigation guide that tells them each turn. There are too many variables that will separate coaches from each other over time. Depending on visually following someone ahead of you is risky. One traffic light turning in the middle of a group going through will disrupt the group and cause visual separation. It's not like a funeral procession with a motorcycle officer stopping traffic at intersections. In my opinion, convoys are not a good idea.

[Van]

Lead, follow, or get the hell outta the way!

[pabusnut]

Van,

Are you RED HORSE??

Steve Toomey, Major, retired PA ANG
201 RHS

[Van]

 11th ACR Black Horse, OPFOR Ft Irwin CA. Retired.

[Runcutter]

Walter is absolutely right about the "convoy" concept.  Using multi-bus charters as an example, it's safer to travel in a group as opposed to a "convoy."  Everyone responsible for  his/her own vehicle, knows the planned route, etc.  Even in my car, when someone says "I'll follow you" or "you can follow me", the answer is no, I'll meet you there.  Driving styles differ.  We have two friends that are aggressive drivers, and each have totaled multiple cars.  They can go first, and hold a seat for us when we arrive. 

Look at the number of bus accidents, more schoolbus, where one bus rear-ends another from following too close.  Travelling together for mutual support, radio communications are safest.  The placing of experienced drivers as first/last still holds, as the most experienced may have the best reaction to an unexpected situation (low bridge, emergency equipment, weight limit), next most experienced (or, in our case most mechanically inclined) as tail end provides a safety net for breakdowns.

Arthur

[buswarrior]

Nothing i hated more as a coach driver, than "group movements"

The other drivers couldn't behave themselves. I would take up the rear and drop back...

That being said, if there are a bunch of drivers who can play their part...

Groups travelling together should spread out, 15 seconds apart or more. No other motorist should be in any way be impeded by a gaggle of buses.

Everyone is responsible for keeping track of the one behind them, not in front. Keep dropping back if the one behind slows, and likewise up the line.

Front coach sets a pace slightly slower than the slowest's top speed, so everyone is able to "catch up" their spacing when the other traffic mixes in.

Really important that everyone keeps their brains about them as to traffic safety. A lot easier to do, when you can trust the one ahead is respectfully waiting to see you in the mirror after you get hung up someplace.

No macho crap, go to the track to show off, not while moving with a group.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[chessie4905]

The leader should be the most seasoned, responsible driver. The idiot or most inexperienced driver should be left home , along with any that likes to tailgate.