Funeral Escorts

[Fritter]

Bare with me, I'm venting.

If you happen to be driving and a funeral prosession comes by here are some things to remember.

Someone who was important to somebody else is dead. They are grieving. Show some respect and follow the below advice.....

1. If you are on a two lane road separated by a marked line, pull all the way over to the right and stop. Motorcycle escorts will be coming towards you to get back to the front of the procession. If you are in a 4 lane roadway just pull to the right lane. Leave us the left lane please.

2. Do not join the procession. Cutting in and out of the line may put yourself in the line of said escort. I can't count how many of my fellow motormen have gotten creamed by cars entering or leaving the line.

3. Do not pass unless there is at least 3 lanes. This is the reason we "close the back door" on some processions.

4. At intersections don't "shoot the gap" to try and get through the procession. Remember, we are coming hot to get to the front. You poke your nose out and you could get some motorcycle in your door.

Other then that, just relax. This is already a bad day for someone. No need to make it worse with an accident. Just slow, take your time and let the family take thier loved one to the final resting place with some dignity.

For the record, I was almost taken out by an ass clown that decided he was going to cut in the procession. We talked. He understands now.

F

[Swamp]

I appreciate your posts--its good to be reminded that this forum is about professional driving not just speeding and countermeasures.

[erickonphoenix]

Excellent advice! I'm not sure many people realize there's moto units running from back to front of those things all the time.

However, I still think it's an out dated practice and not practical for crowded urban environments where you don't always know where the end of the line is.

I won't be having one.

[rocky2]

That was actually helpful advice I never really thought of how much the moto cop have to go from the back the front. Never thought of a funeral procession being one of the more dangerous things you guys do.

[Fritter]

Excellent advice! I'm not sure many people realize there's moto units running from back to front of those things all the time.

However, I still think it's an out dated practice and not practical for crowded urban environments where you don't always know where the end of the line is.

I won't be having one.

Well, funerals are for the living. And that practice won't be going away anytime soon.

F

[AirMoore]

Bottom line is I am glad you are 'Ok'... I see far too many people who do not know how to drive to start with, let alone the apparently complicated system regarding such things... we really need more driver instruction out there!

[supercowpowers]

Excellent advice! I'm not sure many people realize there's moto units running from back to front of those things all the time.

There's something I didn't know

I think they taught us in drivers ed to pull over to the side of the road for processions, but without knowing why I probably wouldn't have done it.

But what if there's someone behind you who doesn't understand why you'd stop? I'd probably just drive slower and to the right and keep an eye out, honestly...

[CJR238]

We don't have any motorcycle units where i live, maybe on bicycles. But we still follow the same rules for the police car escorts, or any funeral procession for that matter.
Just wish they would all keep up with each other and all have there lights/hazards on. Nothing worse than a long procession and not knowing when it ends.

Never break a Funeral procession, just wait till they pass.

[TX Driver]

Good advice Fritter. I've seen this happen before and it really pissed me off. People should show a little respect and courtesy ....

[SpeedUp]

Good advice, I've always just pulled over or moved to the slow lane for funeral processions. I think I read something when I was getting my DL about they have the right away and traffic must yield regardless.