Do you stop for a funeral procession?

[Brooketopia]

Well, I learned something new today! I had never heard of stopping for a funeral procession until today. Then again, I don't think I've ever seen one in real life either.

 

My DH's stepfather passed away last year and the site of the funeral service was about two hours away from the burial site. It's LDS tradition to provide a meal to the grieving family at the church, so we didn't even start on the road until about 20-30 minutes after the hearse had already left. There was nothing that resembled a funeral procession for that, and that is the extent of my knowledge of how funerals work.

[Amy in NH]

I don't cross or enter the line, but I don't pull over either.

 

Could've been a poll.

[Old Dominion Heather]

Absolutely without a doubt I stop. It is just common decency. Of course lots of people don't have common decency these days.

 

It might be common decency where you live, but it is not a custom around here. If you stopped, you might cause an accident.

 

I have lived here all my life and I have NEVER sen anyone stop. Slow down, YES. The procession gets the right of way through intersections IF there is a police officer. But actually STOP, not done here.

 

I think it has to be a regional thing. My aunt lives outside Nashville and it is common there, I believe; at least in her small town it is common.

[Jenny in Atl]

I do...

[azmomx3]

Yes, I'm from California and now live in Arizona. In my little town in CA people always stopped and in my little town in AZ they do too.

[dsmith]

Sorry about your loss.:grouphug: I'm in NJ, and nowadays we put lights and flashers on. I would say that if the procession was making a left turn, the cars on the opposite side will yield to the procession and not cut through the line. The procession would continue through a red light also. Cars on the opposite side would not pull over as the procession passed by though. Cars waiting to pull onto the road on the same side as the procession would wait until it passes. For my mom's procession, we had lights and flashers until we we hit the parkway, where we were told we could not use flashers. The procession did get others mixed in with it, but unless a driver could see the actual hearse there was no way to know it was a funeral procession. I have accidentally ended up in a procession. :blush: It can be difficult to tell sometimes if a gap in the procession forms and flashers are not being used. As soon as I realized I was in the middle of a procession, I pulled into a parking lot and waited. The flashers are a newer thing. We did not use them when my father died 11 years ago.

[Susann]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your grandmother:grouphug:

 

Yes, we pull over. It's not a southern thing though. We're in Indiana and it's the norm here.

[photomo]

I'm in Indiana and I was taught to stop for a funeral procession, police, fire , ambulance and so on. I think it is rude when people don't pull over and stop.

[Unscripted]

Yes- always. If we are on a side walk- we stop then too. And yes, I do mutter to myself when I see others that dont. I will never understand not respecting the dead.

[Scarlett]

Growing up, I learned you ALWAYS stop for a funeral procession out of respect, and I still do stop. I don't know if this is a southern thing or not. Anyway, we had my grandmother's funeral yesterday and only about half the cars stopped. I was just wondering if this is a dying southern tradition or if it's just a plain old dying tradition. Or maybe some have never done it. I don't know. I'm exhausted and I'm rambling, but I think you will get what I mean, lol.

 

Sorry about your grandmother. :grouphug:

 

I stop for funeral processions; my dh who was born and raised in CA does not. And furthermore he thinks it is dumb. And he isn't normal so insensitive.

 

Must be mostly southern. He also thinks it is dumb to decorate cemetaries. Silly Californians. :tongue_smilie:

[mcconnellboys]

Yes, I grew up with this tradition in the South, too.

 

On tiny country lanes it makes sense.

 

In towns where you're likely to know the deceased it makes sense.

 

But I now live in a city where some people want to bow up and stop in the middle of a four lane divided highway for a funeral procession on the other side of the divided highway and it just makes for sheer, utter chaos!

 

Then there are those who won't pull over out of the way for an EMS vehicle to save their lives....

[BarbecueMom]

Yes, I grew up with this tradition in the South, too.

 

On tiny country lanes it makes sense.

 

In towns where you're likely to know the deceased it makes sense.

 

But I now live in a city where some people want to bow up and stop in the middle of a four lane divided highway for a funeral procession on the other side of the divided highway and it just makes for sheer, utter chaos!

Then there are those who won't pull over out of the way for an EMS vehicle to save their lives....

 

Every procession I've seen here is on a 4+ lane divided highway or interstate. I have never seen anyone on the opposite side of the road stop, and I'm not sure why they would. If there's enough traffic, you wouldn't even notice it on the other side of the road.

[Joyofsixreboot]

Yes! And turn on my lights.

[beccad777]

I do. I think it is respectful. I'm sorry about your grandmother. :grouphug:

[Laurie4b]

To acknowledge the gravity of the situation.

 

To acknowledge that something out-of-the-ordinary and life-altering occurred.

 

Out of respect.

 

Because it is okay to slow down/stop to be respectful.

 

I pull over for all of the reasons I previously stated and have never felt that it was unsafe. In fact, I feel that it is unsafe NOT to pull over when it is for fire/police/ambulance because they need to get where they are going quickly and I need to GET OUTTA THE WAY!!

 

Thanks for answering. I guess the part I don't get is why strangers that I couldn't even really see (in other words, no personal connection) pulling over would matter to me. But it apparently does to some people. I wouldn't consider it "common" decency because there are areas of the country where it isn't done and under the "Do unto others" there may be people like me to whom it wouldn't matter. If it wasn't a tradition where you live and it didn't matter that it wasn't done to you, it might not occur to you that it would matter to other people either.

 

I feel agree with you about pulling over for police and ambulances. It's unsafe for someone if you don't, and it's not that unsafe for you because it's the law and *everyone else* does it, too. You aren't on the side of the road being passed by multiple other cars.

 

What I feel is unsafe about pulling off for funeral processions is that since it's not the law (where I am anyway), you are sitting on the side of the road with other people passing you on the road. There is rarely enough room to pull off far enough that you would be safe. A friend got a significant neck injury from being hit from behind while their car was pulled off on the side of the road. She was a passenger. The driver had gotten out for some reason--maybe to help another car--can't remember. Anyway, sitting on the side of the road has to be weighed in terms of safety.

[QueenCat]

is that we no longer recognize funeral processions because so many cars have daytime running lights. Unless a police car leads the procession, I don't think people notice "hey, all those cars have their lights on - there must be a funeral."

 

Good point. It's hard to know when it's over too! Growing up in Maryland, I NEVER saw cars pull over that were coming from the opposite direction. When I moved to GA, I almost got in a wreck because I didn't know this custom. I see it sometimes in TN, sometimes not. I pull over if it's safe, and seems logical, to do so when going in the opposite direction (must be able to pull all the way on to the shoulder as you are not allowed to block traffic, as people are permitted to continue driving if they choose to).

Edited October 20, 2011 by CathieC

[QueenCat]

It's the law here in Georgia.

 

Only for those going in the same direction as the procession.

[Night Elf]

Yes! I pull over for funeral processions, firetrucks, ambulances and police cars with sirens and lights flashing.

 

:iagree: My uncle was an EMT and he was always ranting about people not stopping, not getting out of the way, or stopping to get out of their cars and staring. He is my first thought every time I see/hear any of these things. I feel like I would be punished if I didn't stop. :D He was a Marine and it was so NOT fun to get in trouble with him! But he's my most favorite uncle!! Ooops, got off track.

 

Yes, I do stop and offer up a prayer for the deceased and his/her family.

[Night Elf]

Thanks for answering. I guess the part I don't get is why strangers that I couldn't even really see (in other words, no personal connection) pulling over would matter to me. But it apparently does to some people.

 

I was 21 when my dad died. I rode in a big car with some other family members while others drove their own cars. We did form a big line. I cannot describe how awed I felt when I saw people pulling over for us. It felt really nice that someone cared enough for our pain that they showed respect. It was a lot like people telling me how sorry they were for my loss, except these were complete strangers that I couldn't even see since they were in their cars. It just touched me deeply.

 

It just feels nice when someone does something nice. I remember when people would hold doors open for others. Nowadays, it's every man for himself! I had one woman look at me like I was after her purse or something when I stood by the door and held it open for her. She wouldn't touch the door until I let go of it and stepped into the store.

[scrapbookbuzz]

Here in AZ there is usually a police escort (several motorcycle cops, usually) with lights (sometimes a siren) so everyone will stop/pull over. I've never heard of NOT stopping for a funeral procession!

[BigMamaBird]

If it's safe for me to, yes I do.

 

I did it once about a year ago on a road with two lanes going in either direction, the funeral was coming toward me. A bunch of people drove by me blowing their horns, yelling and giving me the "You're number one!" finger sign. It really upset me. But when I'm in a procession and I see motorists pulled over, it is very touching.

[Scarlett]

Here in AZ there is usually a police escort (several motorcycle cops, usually) with lights (sometimes a siren) so everyone will stop/pull over. I've never heard of NOT stopping for a funeral procession!

 

The other day in my small town there were two police cars pulled over with lights flashing. Policemen were out of the car and there was another car and a couple of kids (teens) on the grass nearby. At first I thought it was a wreck or an arrest or something...then I realized they were just chatting with the driver while they waited for a tow truck.

 

Small towns. Gotta love them.

[mcconnellboys]

The law here says that you may not "interfere" with a funeral procession, meaning you may not interject yourself into their midst, cut them off at stop lights, etc. I've never seen a procession without a police escort that blocks intersections as the procession passes in order to prevent anyone from interrupting the flow - nor have I ever seen anyone attempt to do that.

 

That said, I have no idea why people feel the need to stop when they are on the opposite side of a divided highway....

[gaillardia]

We were in a procession one time, going through a busy intersection (in MD) and when the light turned red I kept going and got a lot of flack about it from other drivers. The rest of the procession behind me stopped. I was confused and thought I was doing the right thing by continuing to drive.

 

Since we moved to TX, everyone pulls over or stops for funeral processions, even when they're going the opposite direction.

How respectful, what honor, ya know? For your last ride down the road, everyone pulls over; that's my take on it, I think it is a good thing.

It must be a southern thing.

[Scarlett]

Sorry about your grandmother. :grouphug:

 

I stop for funeral processions; my dh who was born and raised in CA does not. And furthermore he thinks it is dumb. And he isn't normal so insensitive.

 

Must be mostly southern. He also thinks it is dumb to decorate cemetaries. Silly Californians. :tongue_smilie:

 

I just read this to my husband he pointed out that I am mistaken!!!! He DOES stop. Always. He still thinks it is dumb. But he has always stopped. :tongue_smilie:

[Rhonda in TX]

I do, unless I'm on the freeway (very common here in Houston). It would be too dangerous to pull over when other traffic is going about 60 mph. I do try to get out of their way, though.

[laundrycrisis]

The law here says that you may not "interfere" with a funeral procession, meaning you may not interject yourself into their midst, cut them off at stop lights, etc. I've never seen a procession without a police escort that blocks intersections as the procession passes in order to prevent anyone from interrupting the flow - nor have I ever seen anyone attempt to do that.

 

That said, I have no idea why people feel the need to stop when they are on the opposite side of a divided highway....

 

:iagree: I will not cut into the middle of one and I will pull over to let them pass me. But I will not stop if I am going the other way. I also once refused to pass the exit ramp I needed because the next one was more than 10 miles down the road. The cop wanted me to pass it up because the funeral was taking it. No sir !!! I pulled into the grass next to it and parked my car to wait. He was mad at me ! I was ready to take it to court. Fortunately there was no ticket issued. Sorry officer, funerals do not own the entire highway system and I'm not going 10 miles out of my way for this one. Respectfully sitting and waiting for it to pass is the limit of what I will do.

[Unscripted]

I wanted to add that most of what I stop for is in fact on the other side of a 4 lane highway (not interstate). 95% stop. It's a human, that died. A moment of respect isn't much to ask.

[KatieJ]

People used to do this here, but you know I can't remember last time I even saw a funeral procession.

 

:iagree:Back home in MN there were funeral processions, but I have yet to goto a funeral where anyone but the immediate family went to the cemetary here in Michigan. That said, there was an officer run over and killed last week and his funeral is tomorrow. They have announced the processional route and I am sure everyone will be stopped.

[laundrycrisis]

I wanted to add that most of what I stop for is in fact on the other side of a 4 lane highway (not interstate). 95% stop. It's a human, that died. A moment of respect isn't much to ask.

 

 

Here, I have never seen traffic going the other way, esp on a divided road with a median, stop for a funeral. If someone were to suddenly stop in that situation, it would cause a traffic hazard and perhaps an accident.

 

When my great uncle died, on the way to the cemetery, people pulled over all along the road and I remember one gentleman even got out of his car and removed his hat. It was very sweet. But this was out in the country, on a very low traffic road, outside of the super tiny town where he lived and everyone knew him and whose funeral it was.

 

Here, roads are busy with heavy traffic. It is expected not to cut into a procession or get in their way...if they are coming up on you, get over and let the procession go by. Don't cut into the middle of it. Don't pass it in the other lane, just stay behind it. They only go through red lights if there is a police escort to make that safe. But the road going the other way is not expected to stop. It's not disrespectful - it's just not expected here.

 

I just looked up our state's rules of the road. Traffic going the opposite direction of a procession is only expected to stop and get over if it is a narrow two lane road, to allow the procession room to get through. Even if a procession is going through an intersection, cars that will not cut across the path of the procession can still proceed through.

Edited October 21, 2011 by laundrycrisis

[TXMomof4]

Depends on where we are - if it's safe, I always pull over.

[Trish]

Growing up, I learned you ALWAYS stop for a funeral procession out of respect, and I still do stop. I don't know if this is a southern thing or not. Anyway, we had my grandmother's funeral yesterday and only about half the cars stopped. I was just wondering if this is a dying southern tradition or if it's just a plain old dying tradition. Or maybe some have never done it. I don't know. I'm exhausted and I'm rambling, but I think you will get what I mean, lol.

 

Well in the north we always stopped. It's sort of dangerous if you don't. They seem to stop here in the south, too.

[vonfirmath]

What does a funeral procession look like?

[ereks mom]

In Georgia, we are not required to stop, but we are required to yield the right of way. I always stop. Pretty much EVERYONE here does. It's considered extremely rude not to do so.

 

O.C.G.A. 40-6-76 (2010)

40-6-76. Funeral processions

 

(a) As used in this Code section, a "funeral procession" means an array of motor vehicles in which the lead vehicle displays a sign, pennant, flag, or other insignia furnished by a funeral home indicating a funeral procession unless led by a state or local law enforcement vehicle and each vehicle participating in the funeral procession is operating its headlights.

 

(b) Funeral processions shall have the right of way at intersections subject to the following conditions and exceptions:

 

(1) Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right of way upon the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle or law enforcement vehicle giving an audible and visual signal; and

 

(2) Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right of way when directed to do so by a traffic officer.

 

© Funeral processions escorted by the police, a sheriff, or a sheriff's deputy shall have the right of way in any street or highway through which they may pass. Local governments may, by ordinance, provide for such escort service and provide for the imposition of reasonable fees to defray the cost of such service.

 

(d) The operator of a vehicle not in a funeral procession shall not interrupt a funeral procession except when authorized to do so by a traffic officer or when such vehicle is an authorized emergency vehicle or law enforcement vehicle giving an audible and visual signal.

 

(e) Operators of vehicles not a part of a funeral procession shall not join a funeral procession by operating their headlights for the purpose of securing the right of way granted by this Code section to funeral processions.

 

(f) The operator of a vehicle not in a funeral procession shall not attempt to pass vehicles in a funeral procession on a two-lane highway.

 

(g) Any person violating subsection (d), (e), or (f) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $100.00.

 

(h) Any law enforcement officer who is directing or escorting a funeral procession in this state, whether such service is provided while on duty or not, shall enjoy the same immunities from liability as the officer possesses while in the performance of other official duties.

[Unscripted]

Here, I have never seen traffic going the other way, esp on a divided road with a median, stop for a funeral. If someone were to suddenly stop in that situation, it would cause a traffic hazard and perhaps an accident.

 

When my great uncle died, on the way to the cemetery, people pulled over all along the road and I remember one gentleman even got out of his car and removed his hat. It was very sweet. But this was out in the country, on a very low traffic road, outside of the super tiny town where he lived and everyone knew him and whose funeral it was.

 

Here, roads are busy with heavy traffic. It is expected not to cut into a procession or get in their way...if they are coming up on you, get over and let the procession go by. Don't cut into the middle of it. Don't pass it in the other lane, just stay behind it. They only go through red lights if there is a police escort to make that safe. But the road going the other way is not expected to stop. It's not disrespectful - it's just not expected here.

 

I just looked up our state's rules of the road. Traffic going the opposite direction of a procession is only expected to stop and get over if it is a narrow two lane road, to allow the procession room to get through. Even if a procession is going through an intersection, cars that will not cut across the path of the procession can still proceed through.

 

Let me say first- I am in GA, so it may very well be more of a southern thing for all I know. There is a major 4 lane divided highway that I take to get almost everywhere. There are also two large cemeteries on this highway too. (And again- I am in metro Atlanta - so this is not on our interstates here... This is just a major divided hwy- with 65 mph limit) So seeing a processional on it is pretty common. I think the suddenly stopping in moving traffic would be an obvious safety problem- but here you see the cars way ahead of you slowing down, and moving to the right (yes on the opposite side of the divide), and then you know it's coming and start slowing down too- it's pretty orderly usually. I haven't seen any "near misses" at all- but I have seen out of state plates fly on by while the rest of us are pulled over- lol! I always wonder if they think we are nuts, or what.

 

I love the tradition here. While GA has many faults, I love some of the old south respect and manners that are still in force- respect for the dead being one of them. If I were somewhere else where this tradition wasn't the case- I would keep with whatever traffic is doing- for safety... But be a little sad and embarrassed for myself that I didn't show any respect. It's just how I think about it- not a judgement on any other culture/region.

[Nakia]

What does a funeral procession look like?

 

Around here it includes possibly a police car, a hearse and other black vehicles from the funeral home, and a lot of cars driving with their lights and flashers on.

[vonfirmath]

Around here it includes possibly a police car, a hearse and other black vehicles from the funeral home, and a lot of cars driving with their lights and flashers on.

 

Oh. i've seen cars driving with flashers on. Didn't know THAT was what it meant!

 

Sorry!

[SweetMissMagnolia]

yes