Some of the scariest sights on our roads and highways are those of presidential motorcades and other official convoys, especially as they enter the last quarter – the election season. Streams of vehicles zooming down roads at lightning speed would become commonplace. Just a little mistake from the drivers of those fast convoys and the ever-present threat of disaster would strike with tragic consequences. This could involve an unwary motorist emerging from a junction or traveling in the opposite direction, or even a herd of goats suddenly racing across the road. The typical retinue includes ministers of state, bureaucrats, distinguished party “yes men,” outriders, lead riders, and security detail.
There are always lead vehicles carrying police or other security agents. Characteristically, these police and security agents speed along with snarling engines off the roads until the dignitary has passed. Sometimes, the road is cleared of other users for up to an hour or longer before the convoy drives by.
In the presidential motorcades of some African countries, there are often several vehicles very similar to the one carrying the president. This is meant to confuse any would-be assassin hiding in the bushes or on a rooftop, ready to take a shot at the president.
Data from Ghana’s National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) indicates that election periods record a high number of deaths from road crashes due to disregard for road traffic regulations and best practices.
Statistics indicate that in 2016, a total of 44 people died in 100 crashes involving 157 vehicles during the election period in December, representing a 15.6 per cent increase over the same period in 2015. In 2020, 44 people died, while 169 sustained injuries in 155 recorded crashes, an increase of 21.9 per cent over the previous year.
The statistics further show that since 2000, all but one election year recorded higher crashes, injuries, and deaths compared to previous and ensuing years. This raises concern for every election.
With 19 countries slated for presidential or general elections in 2024, the typical scenario is likely to be repeated across Africa.
How the Motorcade Has Evolved
Since the early 1980s, most governments and institutional security services have significantly increased security measures for motorcades. This has turned motorcades into truly spectacular events where security and protocol are intertwined, attracting large audiences. Currently, the United States, China, and Russia are the leading exponents in this respect. However, the vast majority of countries worldwide have important formal and security protocols regarding the configuration and development of these motorcades.
Motorcades have their roots in the United States. When President Theodore Roosevelt made use of a series of motor vehicles during an event in San Francisco, the term stuck. The advent of the automobile in the motorcade, as we know it today, took place in 1903. The term “motorcade” was coined by a journalist in 1911, following Roosevelt’s appearances in an automobile.
Some motorcades have subsequently been involved in incidents that have gone down in history. An example is the famous Gräf & Stift Double Phaeton of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, who was killed on board in 1914 during a visit to Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), an event that started World War I.
Subsequently, a security breach at an event for U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 forced a complete redesign of both the concept and configuration of the motorcade. The failed assassination attempt on the President resulted in the death of the Mayor of Chicago, Anton Cermak, who was accompanying him in the car. From that moment on, and even more so with World War II looming, motorcades in the United States were conducted with covered vehicles, flanked by other escort vehicles with alarm sirens.
The end of the war eased tensions regarding the transportation of authorities, and the vast majority of countries and territories returned to the use of convertible cars, despite the struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union at the time. However, the tragic assassination of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, in 1963, during a motorcade in Dallas, Texas, led most governments and institutions to reconsider the use of convertibles and even armoured vehicles.
The Broadened Scope of Motorcades
Since the early 1980s, most governmental and institutional security services have significantly increased all security measures at motorcades. This exponential increase in security has turned motorcades into true spectacular events where security and protocol are intertwined, attracting large audiences. Currently, the United States, China, and Russia are the leading exponents in this respect. However, the vast majority of countries in the world usually have important formal and security protocols regarding the configuration and development of these types of motorcades.
Conclusion
To minimise road crashes, it is essential to plan the convoy’s route in advance to minimise exposure to potential threats. Also, thorough security screening must be done for all personnel and vehicles involved in the convoy. It must also be ensured that drivers are trained in defensive driving techniques, emergency response procedures, and communication protocols. Additionally, collaboration with local authorities is crucial to ensure they are aware of the convoy’s route and schedule. By implementing these measures, presidential convoys can be made safer and more secure, minimising the risk of harm to the president and their entourage.UST
