Convoy driving guide

Keep the group.
Never chase it.

The safest convoy is one that expects to separate. Good planning, shared navigation and agreed regroup points remove the pressure to speed, run lights or make sudden manoeuvres.

To keep a car convoy together, agree one route and safe stops before departure, assign clear roles, connect navigation while parked, maintain normal safe spacing and regroup at the next planned location if anyone becomes separated.

1. Plan one journey

Share more than the final postcode. Confirm the main route, fuel expectations, rest stops and the final parking location. If several routes are reasonable, decide which one the group intends to use.

2. Choose a lead and sweep

The lead vehicle sets a legal, predictable pace. A sweep vehicle at the rear can help the group understand whether someone has fallen behind. Neither role gives a driver permission to block traffic, control junctions or ignore road rules.

3. Join and configure while parked

Open Meridian, join the convoy with its six-character code, mount the phone and connect CarPlay or Android Auto before departure. Drivers should not type codes or rearrange devices while moving.

4. Leave safe gaps

A convoy is not a single vehicle. Leave normal braking distance, allow other road users to merge and obey lights individually. Keeping the group visually bumper-to-bumper is less important than keeping every driver safe.

5. Never race to catch up

If another vehicle gets between convoy members or a light changes, continue safely. Shared navigation means the separated driver still knows the route. Use the live group view for awareness, not as a reason to exceed a limit or make a rushed turn.

6. Regroup somewhere suitable

Use a service area, car park or other safe planned stop. Do not stop on a hard shoulder or unsafe verge merely to restore formation. The leader should avoid sudden changes that other drivers may try to copy.

7. Treat location links as private

A Meridian viewer link can show live group positions. Share it only with intended viewers, and end sharing when it is no longer needed. Never post an active link publicly.

Convoy checklist

  • destination and route agreed;
  • safe stops chosen;
  • lead and sweep named where useful;
  • every device mounted and connected while parked;
  • all drivers understand they follow road conditions first;
  • private viewer links sent only to intended recipients;
  • a plan exists for poor connectivity or a separated vehicle.

This guide supports, but does not replace, the rules of the road or the judgement of each driver. Read Meridian's responsible-use policy before organising a drive.