Funeral Procession Driving Protocol
If you have never had to drive in a funeral procession before, the rules can seem complicated and confusing. Afterall, the road rules you follow in the procession are not the same rules you follow when not driving in a procession. And, since they really don’t teach these procession rules in drivers education classes, how are you supposed to know what to do? All of this can leave you confused and nervous. Luckily directors from funeral homes in Buckland, OH. break it all down so you can drive in the procession with confidence.
How Do You Line Up?
Let’s start at the beginning. When you first arrive to the funeral location, there will typically be attendants who will be helping with parking. Simply let these attendants know that you will be part of the funeral procession and they will most likely take your car and park it for you in the procession line. Know that the guest’s cars are lined up in order of arriving so if you wish to be in the front, you will need to arrive early.
Order of the Lineup
Every procession will start with a lead car. This car is typically a nice black sedan and will often have a flag or other markers on the outside noting that it is the beginning of a funeral procession.
The next car will be the hearse with the body of the deceased being carried inside. After the hearse is the limousine which carries the immediate family. Following the limousine there may be additional vehicles carrying more family and relatives. Then, the rest of the cars will follow in the order they were lined up in.
The last car in the procession is typically a black sedan style car that is provide by the funeral home. Like the lead car, this end car will have a flag or other marker on it which signifies it is the end of the procession.
When You Are Driving
When you are driving in the procession there are some things you need to know. These include:
- Turn your headlights on. This lets other drivers know you are part of the procession.
- Stay close to the vehicle in front of you. You want to be close enough that no other outside cars can get in your lane.
- Drive slowly. You will typically not go more than about 55 mph on any highways with smaller roads being about 35 mph or so.
- You have the right of way. If you come to an intersection and the light is turning red, keep going and stay with the car in front of you. Do not stop at the intersection and wait for the light to change.
- Be respectful. Do not have your music turned up loud, do not rev your engine or any other act that may be deemed as disrespectful.
If you follow these tips and pay attention to those around you, when you have to drive in a procession to or from funeral homes in Buckland, OH, you will be able to do so with the utmost confidence.
