Is traveling in convoys allowed?

[InquisitiveScouter 1683]

5 minutes ago, RichardB said:

Transportation guidelines change over the years.  Language around travel has also changed, as has driver education.   Today's terms and laws focus on distance between cars, following to closely, tailgating, adding more following distance during inclement weather.    It did not make sense to keep using antique terms.   However, I'll entertain language if you all have it.  

There is also no longer language around carbon tetrachloride....has not been available in years.  

@RichardB, thanks!  IMO, we are in a good place with the driver policies we have now.  No need to revisit "convoy" or "caravan." 

Are you still seeing a trend of convoying being a causal/contributing factor in vehicle incidents?

I do have some recommendations on improving the Transportation checklist.  How do we plug into the apparatus to suggest those changes?

For example, "Windshield Wipers" are not on the checklist, and darn well should be 😜

Several other things should be considered for inclusion, particularly for trailers... happy to provide input.

Also, do you have insight into BSA incident rates while towing a trailer?

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/680-696(21)-SAFE-Transportation-Checklist-FPO3-5172021.pdf

[SSScout 1624]

Convoys,,,,,    Every driver MUST have the good directions.   I marched in the Purdue Band  1966-1970.  When we went to away games, it was a military operation. Ten or more busses, two or three trucks, a couple of private cars....  The student corps (I was a "supply sargent" , helped load and arrange stuff) listed, ordered,  spoke to the drivers,  and answered to the faculty staff.  No cells, some radios,  paper maps, memoes, lists of people and gear.  

Even a Troop of a half dozen cars/vans/ trailers,  35 people,   needs knowledge, organization, cooperation, understandings.  Convoys are useful, but not in today's traffic.  Funeral processions get SOME respect, but not much without police escort.

DO NOT expect Google speed estimates to match reality.   Be patient. Smile and wave.  A Scout is Courteous, Helpful,  Friendly and Cheerful, even in I-95 traffic on a friday afternoon......  

Cell numbers, PAPER DIRECTIONS and or maps,  stop and regroup spots along the way. Lunch stops with sufficient parking   spaces.  Traveling  in Scout Casual, Scout hats and matching tshirts gets lot's of smiles and even discounts or FREE LUNCH sometimes.  

AND encourage folks to check out their vehicle BEFORE the event. Tires pumped up, oil level okay, mufflers attached (!),  windshields washed (Scout service !) ,  seatbelts operational.... 

See you on the trail !

[InquisitiveScouter 1683]

4 minutes ago, SSScout said:

AND encourage folks to check out their vehicle BEFORE the event. Tires pumped up, oil level okay, mufflers attached (!),  windshields washed (Scout service !) ,  seatbelts operational.... 

Actually @SSScout, it is not communicated well, but BSA requires all drivers check their vehicles prior to departure:

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/680-696(21)-SAFE-Transportation-Checklist-FPO3-5172021.pdf

"Motor vehicles used to transport Scouts must complete Pre-Trip Transportation Inspection before travel for each driver and vehicle. This includes correcting all deficiencies."

btw, @RichardB, "Motor vehicles" don't complete checklists... people do.  Would recommend re-wording this statement on the form.

[SSScout 1624]

1 hour ago, InquisitiveScouter said:

Motor vehicles used to transport Scouts must complete Pre-Trip Transportation Inspection before travel for each driver and vehicle. This includes correcting all deficiencies."

And don't forget the "occasional"  driver who will have no idea where their spare tire is when that cursed flat tire occurs....    

Hey, HERE'S an opportunity....   Automotive Merit Badge afternoon in the church parking lot.....

[rallybug 17]

On 5/6/2024 at 9:20 AM, SSScout said:

And don't forget the "occasional"  driver who will have no idea where their spare tire is when that cursed flat tire occurs....    

Hey, HERE'S an opportunity....   Automotive Merit Badge afternoon in the church parking lot.....

And that an extended full-size passenger van (Chevy Express, Ford E-Series) must be a 2005 or newer currently - although as both of those didn't have head restraints for the passengers, to my mind they don't make great transport vehicles anyway (Chevy and Ford didn't/don't care about passengers and whiplash...). The newer (well, maximum 10 years old now..) Transit, on the other hand, does have head restraints for every seat.