Everyone has encountered such a situation of walking or driving on the road and encountered a funeral procession. Sometimes we watch how other road users respond and try to mimic them. Most pull over; some keep driving while a few even get down from their cars to solemnly observe the procession. What’s the best response? Several funeral homes in Savage, MN offers proper education on the proper funeral procession behavior.
Florida Law on Funeral Processions
Surprisingly, a law in Florida covers the right way to handle corteges and the right of way. It is in Section 1974 of Chapter 316, and it clearly defines what you should do if you encounter a funeral procession. According to the Law, a cortege is two or more cars accompanying the body of a deceased person during the daytime to where the funeral service is scheduled to be held. A cortege must include a lead car – usually a funeral escort or a law enforcement car. This lead vehicle must possess at least a circulating light-colored purple or amber that is visible for up to 500 feet in front of the procession. Law enforcement cars are allowed to use their distinct amber, red or blue flashing light.
Who Else Accompanies a Funeral Procession?
Apart from the lead car, a cortege will usually include the hearse, family, friends as well as other funeral attendees. According to state laws in Florida, all vehicles in a funeral procession must turn on their headlights, taillights, and hazard lights to show that they are part of the procession.
It also gives the funeral processions the right of way at all times, notwithstanding traffic control devices or other right or way stipulations. The entire car in the procession may follow the lead vehicle once it enters an intersection, notwithstanding the color of the lights or other traffic control devices. However, funeral processions must give way to any oncoming emergency vehicles or if asked to yield by a police officer. So, the funeral procession has the right of way, and you can be ticketed for breaking the rules if you refuse to yield the right of way.
What Should Drivers Do?
Unless they are driving an ambulance or other emergency vehicles, other drivers should yield the right of way to an oncoming funeral procession. Aside from being part of the law, its good behavior and yielding the right of way convey respect for the deceased and the mourning family and friends. Think how you would like to be treated by other road users if you were the one mourning.
While the law says you should yield the right of way to funeral processions, it is left to you to wait respectfully. Do not play loud music, press your horns or revive your engines as the procession makes its way past you. When on the highway, a funeral procession would most likely be going way below highway speeds, and you can speed past them if you have to. However, do not cut into the procession to make a turn or an exit as it’s utterly disrespectful to the grieving people.
What Should Pedestrians Do?
If you’re walking, decorum demands that you stop walking and respectfully take off your cap or hat if you’re wearing one. You might also bow your head when the hearse goes past you; however, that’s not always necessary.
You can learn more about funeral homes in Savage, MN. Talk to us at Scott County Cremation to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our office in Minnesota or call our location.
