Yes. Probably the biggest known drawback with tracer. For that reason I understand some rounds are delayed to ignite a short time after leaving the muzzle, somewhat minimising this risk. Of course in the case in question the ‘targets’ were moving at more than 200mph so not an “easy” shot – but then they were also shining bright spotlights which were a bit of a giveaway, tracer or not.

Out of interest: a still of tracer being fired. I’m beginning to think I got it about right first time!

http://flickr.com/gp/garyeason/S5b356