Chase safety
Chase mistakes that kill
Chasers have died. Not many, but too many. Here are the specific mistakes that led to fatalities.
The context
Storm chasing has produced relatively few direct fatalities given millions of chase-days over 50+ years. But each death teaches the community.
Fatal chase incidents fall into categories: tornado direct hits, traffic accidents, medical events, communication failures.
The 2013 El Reno tragedy
- May 31, 2013.
- Killed Tim Samaras (55), Paul Samaras (24), Carl Young (45).
- First documented deaths of scientific researchers in a tornado.
- Tornado made unpredicted left turn.
- Chase team caught in path.
- Vehicle overturned.
- The community changed after.
- Now: escape routes emphasized more.
- Wide wedge behavior differently anticipated.
- Multi-vortex phase particularly dangerous.
The El Reno lessons
- Multi-vortex phase = extreme unpredictability.
- Wide wedges create unexpected paths.
- Escape routes must be identified BEFORE approach.
- Vehicles offer limited protection.
- Scientific credibility ≠ invulnerability.
- Chase group leaders responsible for team safety.
- Time compression during chase impairs judgment.
- Weather remains dangerous regardless of experience.
Traffic-related chase fatalities
- Most chase fatalities are traffic accidents.
- Fatigue-related on long drives home.
- Distracted driving.
- Head-on collisions on rural highways.
- Rain slick roads post-chase.
- Night driving after chase.
- Livestream distraction while driving.
- Community doesn't always publicize.
The traffic lessons
- Rotate driving.
- Take breaks.
- Stay overnight in chase area.
- Never livestream while driving.
- Never text while driving.
- Don't drive tired.
- Coffee is not sleep.
- Chase partners can save lives via alertness.
- Insurance verification.
- Emergency response knowledge.
Communication failure fatalities
- Chaser stranded post-tornado.
- Injured chaser unable to signal.
- Vehicle disabled in remote area.
- Cell service gap.
- Emergency contacts not activated.
- Weather-related communication failures.
The communication lessons
- Redundant communication systems.
- Check-in protocol with home base.
- Satellite messenger (Garmin inReach).
- Regular texts to family.
- Chase group communication.
- Emergency 911 always attempt.
- Register location with someone.
- Radio backup.
Medical event fatalities
- Cardiac arrest during chase.
- Stroke during high stress.
- Diabetic emergency in remote area.
- Fall injuries from vehicle.
- Age-related emergencies.
- Undiagnosed conditions.
The medical lessons
- Regular health screenings.
- Cardiovascular fitness.
- Blood sugar management.
- Chase partner CPR-trained.
- AED accessibility.
- Chronic conditions monitored.
- Medications on person.
- Emergency medical info visible.
- Adjust chase schedule for age.
Vehicle-related fatalities
- Vehicle rollovers.
- Head-on collisions.
- Struck by debris.
- Struck by falling trees.
- Vehicle hit by tornado.
- Airbag deployment injuries.
- Ejection from vehicle.
- Seat belt failures.
The vehicle lessons
- Well-maintained vehicle.
- Regular inspection.
- Modern airbag systems.
- Seat belts always worn.
- Avoid speed for spectacle.
- Hurricane clips analogous for chase gear (secure).
- Reduce loose objects.
- Consider armor for high-risk chase.
- Insurance appropriate.
The chase group leader responsibility
- Legal duty of care to guests.
- Safety briefings mandatory.
- Escape route planning.
- Weather trend awareness.
- Communication protocol.
- Medical training.
- Insurance coverage.
- Post-event debrief.
- Continuous training.
- Zero tolerance for reckless behavior.
For chase tour operators
- Rigorous safety protocols.
- Guest medical screening.
- Vehicle inspection.
- Guide training and certification.
- Emergency plans.
- Communication systems.
- Insurance and legal.
- Post-event support.
- Reputation depends on safety record.
- One death ends business.
The livestream era considerations
- Audience pressure to close distance.
- Distracted by comments.
- Reduced attention on driving.
- Real-time criticism impairs judgment.
- Financial incentive to close distance.
- Newer chasers vulnerable to pressure.
- Community responsibility to model safe behavior.
- Established chasers set example.
- Audiences: encourage caution.
For families of chasers
- Know chase location.
- Emergency contacts.
- Insurance status.
- Medical history.
- Regular check-ins.
- Home base support.
- Post-chase debrief.
- Support during and after.
- Boundaries and communication.
- Grief support if worst happens.
The community's lasting norms
- Every season starts with safety reminders.
- El Reno anniversary marks reflection.
- TWISTEX memorials preserve lessons.
- Safety briefings at chase conferences.
- Community accountability.
- Newcomer education emphasized.
- Retirement respected.
- Life outside chasing valued.
- Community above individual.
The philosophical bottom line
Storm chasing is inherently dangerous. Every chaser accepts risk. The community's role is to reduce unnecessary risk, celebrate safe chases, and remember those lost.
The tornadoes will keep coming. Chasers who prepare, respect danger, and take care of themselves and each other will keep coming home.