Motorcade
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- Further information: Presidential State Car (United States)
A motorcade is a procession of vehicles used to transport a very important person, usually a political figure. The procession consists of several vehicles, usually accompanied by law enforcement support and additional protection to ensure the safety of the people in the motorcade.[1] Motorcades for presidents and heads of state consist of anywhere from four to six armored cars or SUVs, with police motorcycles and cars leading the way and following.
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[edit] Traffic diversions
Depending on the size of the motorcade and who it is carrying, routes may be completely blockaded from the general public.[1] For security reasons, this is common with motorcades for heads of state or government.[1]
[edit] President of the United States
The motorcade for the President of the United States comprises twenty to thirty vehicles; in addition to the president, the motorcade may be carrying his spouse, members of the press, security, White House officials, and VIP guests.[1] The major members travel in armored vehicles, typically specially configured limousines. The motorcade contains several armored vehicles, a counter-assault team, and vehicles to carry Secret Service agents.[1] When called for, a hazardous materials team precedes the motorcade on alert for potential hazards.[1]
A police presence precedes the beginning of the presidential motorcade. These cars and motorcycles usually drive ahead to clear the way and block traffic.[2]
The motorcade for the president is made up of two parts, the first being the "secure package".[3] In the event of an emergency, the secure package breaks off from the rest of the group.[3] It includes two limousines, is heavily guarded by local law enforcement and Secret Service, and all cars are driven by professional drivers.[3]
The second part is made up of vans that transport White House staff members and selected members of the press. In the rear is a communications van that records the presidents' movements, an ambulance, and additional police vehicles.[1][3]
Motorcade routes are selected by Secret Service agents in cooperation with local police forces. Escape routes are also established in the event of an emergency.[3]
 Motorcade for the United Kingdom's Queen Elizabeth II in Koblenz, Germany, 1964 |
 Funeral motorcade for former United States President Ronald Reagan in Simi Valley, California, 2004 |
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f g What is a Motorcade?. WiseGeek.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-20.
- ^ Beam, Christopher. "What's in a presidential motorcade?", Slate.com, November 29, 2006. Retrieved on 2008-05-20.
- ^ a b c d e Selingo, Jefferey. "Driving; Fed Up With Traffic? Get Behind the Wheel in a Motorcade", The New York Times, September 26, 2003. Retrieved on 2008-05-20.
