PCA Polar Region
ROAD SAFETY
An Important Topic For All of Us

Driving to a destination as a large group of enthusiasts can be a challenge…

Polar Region Porsche Club endorses safe driving in all our events. WE are careful to plan trips that adhere to proper safe driving guidelines and the enjoyment of our trips. We encourage all our members to drive safely. Members are responsible for their own road safety on trips by obeying the driving laws of our province or the region we take our trips in.

Below you will find a set of guidelines called Road Rules that we recommend for our outings and day trips, since traveling as large groups of enthusiasts to a destination can be a challenge.

RULES OF THE ROAD

One of the most enjoyable aspects of belonging to our Porsche Car Club is driving together in a group or caravan. The following is a simple set of Rules and Guidelines that will ENSURE a FUN and SAFE TOUR.

• A caravan of 20 Porsches can stretch over 2 miles of highway. If the group is too large, divide into 2 or more groups of 10 or less if possible, each with a Head or Lead Porsche and a Tail (Sweep or Caboose) that have walkie-talkie’s. At no time should any Porsche pass the whole group to reposition to a forward position. This is a caravan NOT a RACE to see who can drive the fastest!

• The group will travel in the middle lane or the RIGHT lane on a freeway or highway so as not to obstruct the flow of traffic.

• Use the 3-SECOND RULE to maintain adequate separation and the 4-SECOND RULE when conditions indicate caution. For the 3-SECOND RULE, note a point on the road ahead. When the car in front of you passes it, begin counting “one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three”. If you are maintaining a good interval, you will pass the same point on or after you say “three” and “ four” when the going gets tough.

• Drive with your RUNNING LIGHTS on for safety and identification.

• When traveling through congested areas, parts of the group may become separated. The Lead Porsche through radio communication, can elect to slow down to let the group catch up, use the BREADCRUMB technique where the last car in the main group stops and waits for the trailing group to reach that point, or stop and pull off the road to regroup.

• To REGROUP, the Lead Porsche will look for a shoulder space with adequate clearance for the entire group to pull over. As you come to a stop, TURN YOUR WHEELS toward the road. DO NOT turn off your motor or get out of the car. When the Lead and Tail decide the road is clear, the last Porsche will pull out and BLOCK and the group will pull onto the roadway at the SAME TIME. This is why you turn your wheels TOWARD the road when you stop.

• When parking in business parking lots, pull to the FARTHEST open spot and park HEAD IN in order to get the caravan safely off the highway.

SAFETY FIRST

• It is very difficult to keep a caravan together in heavy traffic, congested areas and on major highways. Plan to regroup when that part of the trip is over.

• Be aware of the NO ZONE, the large areas of restricted visibility around large trucks, semi-tractor trailers and buses.

• If a member of the group wants to pass you – let them.

SPEED

• Stay within the posted speed limits.

• The Lead Porsche will set the pace for the caravan but it is each driver’s responsibility to keep the Porsche behind him or her in sight.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Use common sense, be COURTEOUS and follow the law.

• Arrive at the starting point on time, with a full tank of gas.

• Be ready to leave on time. Listen carefully at the Driver’s meeting to the description of the route and safety precautions.

• Advise the Event Coordinator if you are going to meet the group along the route or leave before the end of the tour.

• Always drive within your personal limitations. You will be provided with directions, rest stops and destinations, should you have to leave the group.

• If you need to pull over and do not have a radio, do so and turn on your flashers, the Tail or Sweep Porsche will stop behind you.
  
  

TIPS FOR THE DAY OF THE EVENT

• The Event Coordinator is most often, but not always, the Lead Porsche.

• Hand out written drive directions, make sure each driver and passenger signs an insurance waiver if applicable, and have a short Driver’s Meeting to explain the route and go over safety precautions.

• If there are more than 20 cars on the event, try and break up into two or more groups.

• Have one or more additional drivers know the route.

• Allow for frequent rest stops and avoid rest areas or stops which require the caravan to cross oncoming traffic. Be aware of changing weather and road conditions and provide for extra stops if necessary.

• The Tail or Sweep Porsche must stay in frequent contact with the Lead Porsche in congested areas and let the Lead know when all cars have cleared a controlled intersection, as well as advise the Lead if the pace is too fast or too slow.

• Do not pass a Porsche that has pulled over unless they have told you they are dropping out or wave you by.

• Be courteous, respectful, and most of all, have a good, SAFE, time.