Chaser for a day

[Scott Nelson]

Chasers "occasionally" get bad press for their chase driving and roadside parking/viewing. My thinking is a person who has been on a storm cell and is REALLY chasing wouldn't suddenly lose their mind at the last second and stand or park in traffic when a vortex touches down. Isn't it possible people who just happen to be driving by or are in the area are the cause of "some" of this press too? Was wondering if an officially recognized chaser/spotter sticker or license plate tag is available that helps I.D. chasers who pledge to do it right. Not sure if it would solve the probelm quickly but overtime, the I.D. might receive some recognition and nobody would want to get caught offending it.
Scott

[Joey Ketcham]

This topic has been discussed repeatedly it, we are beating a dead horse. A system will never be put into place that would certify or licenses someone to chase storms. Search the forum and you'll find numerous threads about this. The licensing, enforcing, etc would make it nearly impossible for this to happen. I've seen many chasers act irresponsibly, so even with a licenses, sticker, ID or whatever... what about them?

[Scott Nelson]

New to this Forum and although I did a lot of Forum reading while waiting to be allowed in, I didn't pick up on this topic specifically. What I did read is that no question is stupid. If it's beaten a dead horse to you, I apologize. It could still be new to someone else.

My point is that a lot of chasers seem to now know each other while out on the road and are considerate of traffic and traffic laws. Along comes someone else who calls themself a chaser but may have simply stumbled along at the right time and will never follow another storm again. My thinking is that they are the ones more often then not who are given the "real chasers" a bad name. Not sure something can be done but it seemed worth talking about.

[Jason Boggs]

Scott, this is a very worthwhile topic to talk about. Chaser responsibility is obviously very important, but like Joey said, it has been talked about many times. I don't think a license or other such item could deter chaser from acting stupid. It's ultimately up to them to make up their mind to do right or wrong.

The "real chasers" that act responsible have to just keep chugging along and not worry about what others are doing.

I do have to add this comment though. If you chase long enough, you will eventually do something stupid. It will happen, trust me. It doesn't make you a bad chaser or a bad person. 2 years ago, I was very close to a tornado in Childress, TX at night. I went through town going 90 and I ran 2 red lights. Was I being stupid? Well yes, but I was also trying to save myself and my chase partner from being part of the debris.

Safety is #1 when I chase, but sometimes I have to make a decision, which may be stupid at the time, but will save my tail in the long run.

[Shane Adams]

Anyone who's a chaser knows that sometimes you have to bend a few laws...none of which endanger anything except the "principle" on which they were adopted :rolleyes:

I'm so sick of the finger-pointing "he/she did a bad thing out there" whiney ass threads. Quit chasing and become the damn chase police, or shut the f*ck up. Chasing isn't for kids, it's for adults. It ain't G or PG, it's R.

[J Kinkaid]

Anyone who's a chaser knows that sometimes you have to bend a few laws...none of which endanger anything except the "principle" on which they were adopted :rolleyes:

I'm so sick of the finger-pointing "he/she did a bad thing out there" whiney ass threads. Quit chasing and become the damn chase police, or shut the f*ck up. Chasing isn't for kids, it's for adults. It ain't G or PG, it's R.
I thought that it was NC-17 and XXX :D

[John Wetter]

To answer Scott's question, yes, I think a good deal of the really bone-headed things are actually done by locals out for a ride and to see a tornado. Most chasers are pretty well behaved. Sometimes you get bad ones, but over-all most of the issues I've seen are with locals who think they have a 'right' to be there.

[Jason Boggs]

To answer Scott's question, yes, I think a good deal of the really bone-headed things are actually done by locals out for a ride and to see a tornado. Most chasers are pretty well behaved. Sometimes you get bad ones, but over-all most of the issues I've seen are with locals who think they have a 'right' to be there.

Actually the locals have just as much of a right to be there as you and me. It's when the locals inexperience and stupidity becomes a problem for the rest of us.

[Scott Nelson]

Thanks guys. I kind of expected that this topic would cause some strong opinions. That's why I asked. As budding chaser myself and an author/artist who's writing a children's book about tornado chasing ( please see my Hello thread) I'm simply trying to get a better grasp about this specific issue as I add realistic details into the manuscript. I'll dig deaper into the Forum and look for past discussions about this topic too. I think it's interesting though that I'm defending the actions of "quote un quote real chasers" and yet a few people who list themselves as real chasers have complained about my supportive comments.

Thanks and please keep the comments coming if you desire. They're very helpful.

[BRADLEY WINGER]

The problem is that if you start licensing storm chasing, where does it stop?? Lets start licensing snowboarding, skiing, mountain hiking, rock climbing, etc.. Anything that is dangerous, license it? Unfortunately you get people in all areas that act irresponsible and put everyone at risk. I totally understand what you are saying and your reasoning behind it. It just would never fly.

[Joey Ketcham]

act irresponsible and put everyone at risk. .

Who exactly is at risk though? As far as I know there are no documented cases in which actions by a storm chaser caused injuries to another person so I fail to believe that storm chasers are as big of a risk to the general public as others make it out to be. The biggest dangers come from just driving (speeding, etc) and we already have a license for that, it's called a drivers license.

Each year we get someone who brings up the topic of needing a license to storm chase, I don't see the point of it. It seems people are too worried about protecting this imaginary "image" of storm chasers rather than just not worrying about it.

Just obey the laws and not worry about what others are doing and you'll be fine. This year will be my 13th year of storm chasing and to date I have never had a problem with either the general public or law enforcement, so I don't really see a need to worry about developing some sort of license for storm chasing.

[Shane Adams]

For those who think chaser presence is harmful out there, eliminate it.

Then tell me how harmful that is :rolleyes:

Storms move. Spotters don't.

[Tim Shriver]

Storms move. Spotters don't.

Our spotters move....not sure why they wouldnt :)

Tim

[BRADLEY WINGER]

You ALL have excellent points. Maybe this whole subject should be dropped once again? This is what I find funny. Next year someone will bring up exactly the same subject. We will all discuss this subject to death with the same resolution. There really is nothing to discuss. :)

[Jason Foster]

I don't think this should be dropped, nor is this beating a dead horse. Obviously a new member brought up a question and should be answered with respect.

Yes, the topic has been discussed before, here are a few threads for reading:
http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=18583&highlight=ethics
http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16660&highlight=ethics
http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16604&highlight=ethics
http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16521&highlight=ethics

[Scott Nelson]

Hmmm. Wasn't really thinking that a specific "LICENSE" was in order here. That would be silly and WAYYYY to PC. Maybe a simple Stormtrack "chaser" sticker or another form of "vehicle I.D." that informs the local law enforcement and other chaser that you're normally responsible and aware of the issues that have been mentioned here. That said, I have read where some chasers are running lights and speeding to save their own skin. That is a Topic that no one can judge someone on until they are in that life or death position themself. My original slant on this was more specifically about dangerous road side parking and blocking traffic during a viewing. That issue seems like an easy fix if enough people get on board with the same thinking.

I do appreciate those who have answered me. I understand that a difficult topic beated to death with no outcome can get tiresome for those who have been around a while. When I first joined some of the threads talked about lurkers and people were NOT contibuting. It's impossible to come up with a topic that you guys haven't dealth with at some point over the years though. So just remember, if you want new members to get involved, some of the stuff might be rehashed to you.

[Jerry Prsha]

Maybe a simple Stormtrack "chaser" sticker or another form of "vehicle I.D." that informs the local law enforcement and other chaser that you're normally responsible and aware of the issues that have been mentioned here.

I'm in agreement with this. It's not a "get out of jail free" card but more of a "Give me a bigger break than normal" sticker. There's some real jerks out there that chase and do things to make the rest of us look bad.. I don't think that will ever change. And clearly by the "in your face" responses from some people thumbing their nose at laws, conscientious chasers and those in authority because "I'm chasing!", some just have to feel more important than others. ;)

But local authorities might consider letting some people by or not stopping them if they have some sort of identification that they actually sort of know that they're doing. The problem is getting the word out about the stickers and what it means.

[Jason Boggs]

I don't agree. Can't write much here as I'm about to go to work. The cops aren't worried about anything on your car besides your license plate. They could give a rats *ss about a chase sticker saying "I'm responsible". Putting a sticker on your car won't make you responsible...you have to decide that yourself.

[Shane Adams]

Maybe this whole subject should be dropped once again? This is what I find funny. Next year someone will bring up exactly the same subject. We will all discuss this subject to death with the same resolution. There really is nothing to discuss. :)

Hence 90% of this forum's activity outside March-June. There's only so much you can say about chasing. Probably why there's a B&G section.

[Laura Duchesne]

Although interesting ideas, I can't see it happening. Put it to you this way, I've seen people who have the "How's my driving? phone number" stickers on and they still drove poorly. Just drive with common sense, and chase safely then everything should be fine. A chaser sticker might even just make matters worse by getting a few wannabes to follow you close by in behind since they would know you're a chaser.

[Joe Dorn]

Storms move. Spotters don't.

The spotters in our group cover about ten counties in the southern portion of the FTW CWA, most of it rural. Ten or more of us have APRS trackers and can be followed on the SN. At least five of us have streaming video capabilities that will be put to use for the first time this season. All of us have amaterur radio capabilities with echolink connectivity directly to the FTW severe weather group, and guess what, this stuff is mounted in automobiles as in things that move.

My SKYWARN list has about 150 names on it that increase coverage to an additional 7 or so counties in Central Texas, all capabile of direct contact with FTW through our wide area repeater.

Very few storms can move in our coverage area without us being able to see and report it.

Some of our spotters are dedicated chasers also...

[Shane Adams]

My point was in regards to people saying chaser presence is a bad thing; I'm not trying to say spotters just sit and watch as it all goes by and then go home.

But the long-accepted basic difference between chasing and spotting is movement. I used that in "blanket statement" form just to make my point in the "chasers: good or bad?" debate.

[Adam Lucio]

The only thing you can do is worry about your own image. There is allot more respect for chasers and spotters than there is disrespect. Some people think were all isnane...others brave and helpfull...whatever their opinion is, its not going to stop me from being the best chaser I can be...if someone wants to have a negative opinion thats their own problem.

Im sure most of us do our best to abide by the law and make smart decisions, sometimes we slip up. IT HAPPENS! If you do something unlawful and get caught then you should accept the consequence, even though you may feel it is an injustice because you are out trying to help.

One of the risks of the game is being held accountable for everything you do, good or bad.

The stickers arent a bad idea in theory, but in the end it will just create more controversy in the sense of "how come joe shmoe gets a sticket and I dont" etc etc...

FYI I have SKYWARN and a STORMCHASER sticker on my vehicle. If it gets me out of a speeding ticket then hey cool life is awesome...but do I expect it to...no. I mainy have it there because Im proud of what I do and want myself to be known for doing such. People in hunting and fishing clubs put emblems on their cars too. Same concept [at least for me]

[Benjamin Rock]

I too have SKYWARN and STORM CHASER stickers on my car plus throw on signs for when I'm working with the county which just helps ID us from the other bone heads. When I am chasing out west though, I dont usually put the signs on the car. The stickers are on the back which is good enough for out there. It also keeps the signs(which get expensive) from getting sand blasted and destroyed. One time I had a Klingon foolow our caravan during a chase. They called some of their friends and said, "Hey, there are some chasers out here. Let's follow them and see what's up." When we stopped, they followed right along. I asked them if they were chasers or spotters and they said no. So I asked them to please not follow or tag along with us. They were cool about it and stayed back a few car links, but they still followed and when we stopped they stopped. I couldnt stop them from following as they have every right, but the courtesy among chasers and spotters is that if you are asked not to tag along, you dont do it. These people must have followed us the whole day, but they did not apporach us or ask any questions about what was going on or what our plans were. That's the difference between chasers,spotters, and the general public bonehead. Chasers and spotters will ask others their thoughts and most people in the Chase community welcome you in and share those thoughts. The bonehead is one of the reasons chasers and spotters get frowned upon by locals. We know our limits and if someone more experienced says KEEP BACK, you know to listen and not keep following. Ive khnow Ive learned to listen to the elder chasers and spotters out there. Ive been chasing for 16 years and if someone says, "Please dont follow us." I dont.

Geez. What a long winded answer eh? I could have just said yeah, there's signs out there to buy for your car and dont follow if told not to. Signs dont make you safer and anyone can buy them.. Okay, I'll shut up now...:D

[Lisa Post]

Quote:
Originally Posted by John Wetter http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?p=208664#post208664)
To answer Scott's question, yes, I think a good deal of the really bone-headed things are actually done by locals out for a ride and to see a tornado. Most chasers are pretty well behaved. Sometimes you get bad ones, but over-all most of the issues I've seen are with locals who think they have a 'right' to be there.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason Boggs
Actually the locals have just as much of a right to be there as you and me. It's when the locals inexperience and stupidity becomes a problem for the rest of us.


I have to agree w/ Jason on this one...the locals actually, in all honesty, could be argued to have almost MORE of a right to be there than the storm chasers do. It is THEIR homes and THEIR property that are in the path of danger when a storm goes through THEIR area. Just because somebody doesn't have umpteen years of meteorological training or a billion antennas on their vehicle doesn't mean that they aren't capable of safely chasing/monitoring the storms that come through their area. Most Skywarn classes are free to the public, and as long as the locals educate themselves a bit, they shouldn't pose a problem for anybody who is out chasing. Overall though, nobody has more of a right to do it than anybody else, and I wish that those who think they are entitled to it more than others, because of whatever reason, would open their eyes and realize the skies are free baby, and nobody has the right to restrict anybody else's freedoms. There will always be an occasional idiot out and about, be they a trained, seasoned chaser or a slow-driving, in-your-way local. The best thing all of us can do is to look out for ourselves, and help educate others so that they are more prepared when they need to be.