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gutsgolf · 09-18-2009, 12:53 PM

I was on the highway today and saw a funeral procession coming in the distance. I imediately starting looking for a spot to pull over. That is the custom I was taught to pay respects to the family and mourners. I was very pleased to see two 18 wheelers do the same. I pulled up to help them get off the road. That really was nice of them. Just wondering if that is the same in other areas.
Thanks

funkill · 09-18-2009, 01:20 PM

Oh my gosh - I've never heard of that - and haven't witnessed it. Though I wasn't looking for it so all of us that just keep cruising along may have obscured the view of those who did pull over. It sounds like a nice deed (not the right word, but can't think of something better).

Do you do this both when they're approaching you (from the opposite direction) and also for when they're coming from behind?

Laura

nvestysly · 09-18-2009, 01:21 PM

In some states pulling off the road or coming to a stop is required for both lanes (both directions) of traffic. An exception is for a divided highway.

The thinking is that police many times escort a funeral procession and may need to occupy more than one lane to perform their duty. Similarly, the funeral procession may need to turn right or left and proceed without a break in the procession so it's easier to do that if everyone is stopped.

Maybe there are some law enforcement professionals on the forum that can comment.

Lucius

markdoane · 09-18-2009, 01:27 PM

It's been awhile, but I was in a funeral procession where a train stopped to let the procession go through without stopping.

It was in town, not out in the country.

**Stefrobrts** · 09-18-2009, 01:42 PM

I think I've only ever seen a funeral procession once in my life. I didn't know there were any special rules, except staying out of their way.

345bill · 09-18-2009, 01:48 PM

This is a new one to us also. For sure it sounds like the proper thing to do. Will watch this thread for more info. Thanks.

gutsgolf · 09-18-2009, 02:35 PM

The police will normally not let you over take a procession unless in a big city with multiple lanes but my experience on a 4 lane is not one overtakes, on traffice going toward the procession most will pull to the side if it is safe. Some do not stop and I guess I understand but a lot do out of respect for the moment. I took me all of 4 minutes .
If we have anyone in law enforsement killed on duty the funeral can stretch for miles and people will come out of businesses to pay their .
Very moving!!

ibgl6 · 09-18-2009, 02:36 PM

I have always done that and it has happened to me several times my momma said you always pull over and remove your hat and dont stare....SAM

gutsgolf · 09-18-2009, 02:44 PM

I don't know what it is about an airstream but no matter how old, how big, or shiney it is they look like class to me. By that I mean streamers seem to becut from different material. I have always gotten a nice feeling with I was lucky enough to see one go by. The action we have been discussing seems like something we would do. Isn't it great to be different.

vswingfield · 09-18-2009, 02:48 PM

Have seen it in many states, all here in the South.

Here in Little Rock, I have seen the police stop traffic both ways on 4 lanes. Recently.

I have also ridden in processions where traffic stopped. It is a nice custom.

3 Dog Nite · 09-18-2009, 03:53 PM

Here in cleveland, TN it's the law to pull over for the procession. When I lived in New York it wasn't. The lead car had to stop for red lights. If the light turned red in the procession, they were to keep going with the right of way. You don't cut into the middle. All cars usually ran with 4 ways on to identify them.

Ricky

Cantrell · 09-18-2009, 05:28 PM

I have lived here in Charleston (a place known for its good manners) all my life and it has always been the practice to pull over as a funeral procession approaches from the direction opposite your travel and to certainly never pass one if you are traveling in the same direction. It is done out of respect and reverence. I have been in a few funeral processions and stopped for countless others--it is always interesting to me that people, who always seem to be scurrying about like ants will stop their busy lives for just a moment and pay respects to someone they have likely never met. It is a classy practice, I think.

Alwhisman · 09-18-2009, 06:43 PM

Definitely here......When I was in Law Enforcement and escorting a procession, we stopped traffic. The courtesy is allowed to the hearse and following family limo as protocol.

nvestysly · 09-18-2009, 08:05 PM

The Georgia code is listed below. Based on this, it is not necessary for oncoming traffic to stop. I guess that's just custom. But I have been a part of funeral processions where the lead officers and officers on motorcycles intentionally stopped oncoming traffic and also prevented non procession cars from passing (even though it was on a 4-lane road). So if police are involved I guess you do what the police tell you to do.

GEORGIA CODE
Copyright 2008 by The State of Georgia
All rights reserved.
*** Current through the 2008 Regular Session ***
TITLE 40. MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
CHAPTER 6. UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD
ARTICLE 4. RIGHT OF WAY
O.C.G.A. § 40-6-76 (2008)
§ 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.
(c) 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.

Lucius

P.S. I am surprised that some people have seen and participated in so few processions. I'm only 50 yrs. old and I've traveled in over a two dozen processions and I've seen many, many more. I live in a big city Georgia now but I saw just as many in small town Florida.

**Stefrobrts** · 09-18-2009, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvestysly

P.S. I am surprised that some people have seen and participated in so few processions. I'm only 50 yrs. old and I've traveled in over a two dozen processions and I've seen many, many more. I live in a big city Georgia now but I saw just as many in small town Florida.

I think it's just not a tradition out this way. Nearly everyone in my family has passed, grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, and we've never once had a procession, or a graveside service.

Becky B. · 09-18-2009, 08:41 PM

We saw the traffic all stop for a funeral procession while on vacation in Kentucky once. We didn't know what was going on! We pulled over like everyone else and learned something new. Up here in Northwest Indiana and Illinois the funeral procession goes through red lights in towns. On the expressways, anything goes. My mother's burial was quite a distance from the church and travel on the expressway was necessary. We thought it was in the interest of safety of all the family attending the burial to not have a procession to the cemetery. Many accidents happen here during funeral processions due to the congestion and hurry of all us suburban people. I've seen a couple almost happen myself. I really liked the Southern practice. It was very respectful.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 09-18-2009, 09:30 PM

Hi, I guess when you live in the big city, you will see quite a few funeral processions. The escorts on motorcycles are mostly just that. Some people call them cops/police, and some of them are off duty or retired cops and others are just motorcycle escorts. Around here we usually don't pull over [multiple lanes] but we stay out of the way. It seems that most of the time you are already stopped when an escort blocks the intersection. No one ever trys to cut through the line or interupt the procession. As for a law, I have not heard of any laws for those not involved. If you are in a funeral procession they usually tell everyone to turn on their head lights and bright orange stickers saying "FUNERAL" are put on your windshield, back window, or both. So when you see a long line of cars with their head lights on and funeral stickers on them, GET OUT OF THEIR WAY.

talipedersen · 09-18-2009, 09:49 PM

Minnesota here. . .we always stop for processions. . .whether they are led by law enforcment or not--all about respect. . .JPC

53flyingcloud · 09-18-2009, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

I think it's just not a tradition out this way. Nearly everyone in my family has passed, grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, and we've never once had a procession, or a graveside service.

Stefrobts,
I will "guess" here and, say cremation.. I understand from a close friend of mine who started the Cremation Society of Washington, that the state of Washington is in the top percentage in the nation for cremation service.
That's the only reason I can think of for not having a funeral procession or, a grave side service. (That last statement is not totally correct as you could have a private grave side service for cremains.)
The respects we afford to a funeral procession should be universal.

Lumatic · 09-19-2009, 07:45 AM

Here in NM last year there was a a local officer killed on duty. As stated above the procession went on for miles and traveled 30 miles at 75 mph down the interstate with dozens of police, fire, and EMS vehicles. Some people on the frontage road stopped and stood by their cars. Other people were on the bridges. The deputy was to be cremated and the procession went to the crematorium.