Convoy Rules

Convoy Rules

  • A Trip Leader and Tail End Charlie shall be appointed for every off road trip.
  • No vehicle travelling in a convoy shall be permitted to travel ahead of the Trip Leader, or behind the Tail End Charlie.
  • The Trip Leader and Tail End Charlie shall be responsible for the safety of all vehicles while travelling off road and any decisions made by them with regard to route, vehicle recoveries etc shall be final, having taken into account all safety issues, and the wishes of the vehicles owner.
  • While travelling on public roads, sufficient separation shall be maintained between vehicles to allow other road users to safely use the road.
  • Contact between vehicles shall be maintained using 2 way radios on a pre-selected channel.
  • Always keep the vehicle behind in view
  • All drivers shall make every reasonable effort to maintain convoy speed and not cause unreasonable delays to the remainder of the vehicles.
  • If any difficulty is encountered the turning on of headlights shall signify a vehicle is stopping. All vehicles ahead of the vehicle having problems should then turn on their lights. Radio contact is acceptable.
  • The trip leader shall be advised immediately if a vehicle is in difficulty and the convoy is stopping.

    Gates

  • The occupants of the vehicle travelling immediately behind the Trip Leader shall open any gates encountered along the route being travelled.
  • They shall move their vehicle off to the side of the track and allow all other vehicles in the convoy to pass.
  • After the Tail End Charlie has passed through the gate they shall then take a place in the convoy immediately ahead of the Tail End Charlie. This rotates the convoy between the Trip Leader and Tail End Charlie. This procedure ensures that all gates are properly secured after the convoy passes through.

    River Crossings

  • Do not assume anything at river crossings. If in doubt walk across the river first, if the current is so strong you can t stand up easily then an attempt at crossing may be dangerous. Check the water depth (generally 500mm is the maximum safe depth for most vehicles).
  • Ensure the river bed is firm, avoid soft running gravel even though this may be at the shallowest part of the river.
  • Only one vehicle shall be in the water at any time.
  • Each vehicle shall wait for the vehicle behind to safely complete the river crossing before moving off.
  • In the event of a vehicle encountering problems while crossing a river or other water way swift recovery action is essential. All vehicles are to have a recovery rope or strop attached to their rear towing point and it is the responsibility of the front vehicle to attach this to the vehicle in the water and recover it to safety. If a forward recovery is undesirable then the rope or strop from the rear of the disabled vehicle shall be attached to the following vehicle for a reverse recovery.
  • Caution: The use of strops in fast flowing water can be dangerous due to water drag on them. Ropes are recommended.

    Accidents or Personal Injury

  • In the event of an accident causing personal injury every member of the convoy shall follow the directions of the Trip Leader or Tail End Charlie.
  • Attend those who are quiet first. Provide first aid. Do Not move the victim unless there are serious safety issues involved, and if moving do so in a careful manner to avoid causing further injury.
  • Apply pressure to bleeding areas to stem the flow of blood.
  • If urgent medical attention is required the Trip Leader shall appoint 2 vehicles to travel to the nearest point from which cellular phone coverage can be gained. If a GPS is carried by any member of the group, the exact co- ordinates of the accident site shall be noted and passed onto the emergency services.
  • Keep any victims warm and comfortable until help arrives.
  • The recovery of any damaged vehicle is secondary to the assistance of any injured person, and should only be attempted after injuries have been treated. All reasonable efforts shall be made to recover a vehicle and return it to a place of safety. The safety of other Group members shall be taken into consideration before any recovery is attempted.
  • If instructed by the trip leader, activate an EPIRB. This provides an important means of calling for assistance and provides a beacon for emergency services to home in on and locate the area we are in.

Review date - June 2007 OR4G Committee