IRD Vehicle Policy - International Relief & Development

Title: Vehicle Policy Effective Date: 11/22/10
11. If vehicle and personal belongings are searched, watch closely to ensure nothing is stolen or
planted in the vehicle.
12. As you pass through any checkpoint, keep a reasonable distance between vehicles so that if one
vehicle encounters problems, others may escape or call for help via radio.
NOTE: Do not leave the planned path or roadways. Driving off road increases the possibility of
encountering mines, unexploded ordnance and criminal activity. Leaving the planned path
makes it more difficult to find you.
NOTE: If journeys are repetitive, vary the routes (if possible). Routine routes increase the
chance for victimization.
NOTE: It is up to the CD/COP whether or not to institute the two-vehicle rule e.g. in certain
difficult areas, travel can only be undertaken with a minimum of two vehicles traveling
together.
J. Convoys
Prior to arranging convoys, one must consider the image and target of opportunity projected by
several high value vehicles traveling together, carrying loads of expensive commodities and
driven by healthy, well-dressed persons and/or foreigners. It may be safer to break the convoy
into smaller segments.
1. If convoys are used:
a. Limit the size of the convoy to no more than eight vehicles.
b. Determine a convoy leader.
c. Check with local authorities to see if special permission is necessary to travel in this
manner.
d. If possible, reconnoiter the route(s) prior to departure.
e. Prepare contingency plans:
Determine what to do in the event one vehicle breaks down.
Never leave a person over night with the vehicle.
Consider abandoning the vehicle and any goods that cannot be switched to another
vehicle.
f. Do not travel after dark.
g. File a journey plan.
h. Decide on the position of each vehicle in the convoy.
Place slower vehicles in the front of the convoy.
Place one radio equipped vehicle in the front (second position) and one in the back
(next to last). If only one vehicle is radio equipped, place it in the back.
Medical units, if included, should be placed towards the middle or rear.
Vehicles carrying spare parts should go in the middle or back of the convoy.
Notice: A printed copy of this document may not be the latest version.
Available online: https://portal.ird.org
Updated: April 2012 16