DMC Rules of The Road for Fun Runs

[66Cooper]

DMC Rules of the Road for Fun Runs
Before the drive begins:
• Everyone needs to know the stopping points before we go for a drive. If for any reason this cannot be determined at the beginning of the drive, it will be communicated via radio communication.

• Anyone who will be driving up front or at the very back should have a FRS two-way radio. A radio communication channel will be determined before each event. When selecting a radio, please get the type with privacy sub-channel capability
• We all should know as many of the other drivers cell phone numbers as possible. If you don't have somebody's cell phone number in the group, ask them.

While driving:

• We all want to have fun, but fun runs are also opportunities to become a better and more attentive driver. If you have questions about driving techniques and want to get in some practice with another member, just ask!
For those of you who like to drive faster than the others, go ahead and jump in front. The rest of the drivers will catch up if they are behind, but don't expect them to drive too fast to do it. YOU DON'T HAVE TO DRIVE FAST. We're here to have fun. So, the faster drivers should keep in contact with the others via radio and should expect to stop more frequently to let others catch up. If you don't want to lead, move out of the way and let someone else go through.

• Cruising speeds should never exceed the legal or safe speed limit for the weather and traffic conditions. When we get to twisty roads, drive at a speed that is comfortable for you. It is the policy of DMC that members should at no time break any traffic laws or posted speed limits.

• Keep a good distance between you and the car in front of you through the twisties. This may also prevent rocks being thrown at you, and takes pressure off the driver at the very front. In addition, if you're on a new road, you may need to brake more, and people following you need to be aware of that.
If you are leading and need to change lanes, please make sure that you are able to change lanes at a time when many others would be able to as well. This doesn't always happen because of traffic, but you still need to consider the other drivers behind you. This also means you probably shouldn't turn right at a red light because the cars following you may not be able to following you immediately through the turn.
Lose somebody at a traffic light? If you can safely stop and wait, do so. Otherwise drive slowly and let them catch up. If you've got radios, obviously you can communicate that way.

• Please put your foglights on when driving at night. It helps us recognize your car based on the light pattern when we look in the rear view mirror to make sure you're following us. Unless you are the lead car please avoid the use of auxiliary driving lamps (rally lights) as they tend to make it difficult for the cars ahead of you, day or night.
Signaling:
Hazard lights indicate a warning; be aware of various possibilities.

• A turn signal flashed twice when the driver is not changing lanes indicates to other drivers who may be behind in a different lane that a lane change is coming and to tell them what direction.

• Flashing lights to a car in front indicates that the group may have lost somebody, someone pulled over (or got pulled over), or something else happened that delayed a driver. Be prepared to stop.

• To improve your car's visibility from the rear while braking, you may want to consider having the "brake light mod" installed on your car. If you are considering this modification. please discuss this with other members and somebody can provide more details on how to get it done. You may also want to ask your Mini dealer how this will affect your warranty.

Parking:
• When we park, we normally reverse in and park where all cars can park next to each other, unless of course we're parking in the middle of a lot. Be aware of your fellow club members as they make the maneuver to back into a space.
Bottom line: Drive safe, and enjoy the drive!

[danjmcs]

This is a PDF of what we always used to include in the DRP handouts on our Fun Runs. Stolen years ago from and created by Scott Michalak