What to do in a Funeral Procession
The funeral world seems to be full of opportunities to make mistakes, . It feels like almost every aspect of a funeral has a proper etiquette to follow. Among the most misunderstood of these is the funeral procession.
When the pace on the road slows down, it鈥檚 normal for roadworks or tractor drivers to get the blame. But occasionally, it鈥檚 a funeral procession. The procession is when they take the body from the place of the ceremony to the burial or cremation site. The problem with funeral processions is that they’re very private events spilling out into the public. Not everyone is expecting it or knows what to do.
Does anyone know what to do?
If you don’t know what to do when you come across a funeral procession, fear not. You aren’t alone.聽According to a 2016 study, carried out by (one of the UK鈥檚 largest funeral vehicle producers). 59 percent of funeral directors in Britain do not think today鈥檚 drivers have good 鈥渃ort猫ge etiquette鈥�, and that 91 percent don鈥檛 think people know what鈥檚 expected of them when passing a procession.
The survey asked if they thought people know what鈥檚 expected of them when they encounter a funeral procession. 71% said “not fully”, while a further 20% simply said “no”. When asked if British motorists understood what good funeral cortege etiquette as 51% said no.
says 鈥淯nfortunately, it isn鈥檛 uncommon today for people to have next to no idea about the proper etiquette that鈥檚 required when passing a funeral procession鈥�
What to do when you are part of a funeral procession
- Be punctual: As a rule of thumb it’s good to be early to most things, but with anything funeral related it’s best you aren’t late.
- Know the route: Chances are you won’t be leading the procession but sometimes you can get distanced from the rest of the procession and end up separated from the pack, worry not. You will be told where you are going. If you don’t know, ask again.
- Don’t speed: You will most likely not be travelling over聽30-40 mph on roads but it can depend on the normal speed limit. While there is , slow-moving vehicles-like tractors, are forbidden. Again, this is something your funeral director will be aware of. Otherwise, you may have a聽run-in with the law.
What to do if you encounter a funeral procession
Be respectful:
Try not to get frustrated at the speed procession, or the delays it causes. The people aren’t there by choice. So, try not to honk and don’t attempt to overtake.
Give right of way:
If it means missing a green light, it will be easier, in the long run, to let the procession stay聽together. Typically the last car will have its hazards on (or in some cases, flags) to show it is the final car, so you’ll know when it is the end of the procession.
Follow
Many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements and failure to follow them could end up in fines,聽聽or total disqualification from driving. Even the聽聽for breaking it.
Other things to think about
If you a pedestrian crossing the road, it is respectful to wait until they have passed before you cross the road. Similarly, if you are carrying out roadworks, it would be a good idea to momentarily pause while they pass.
Once you arrive at the cemetery remember to act appropriately. Some people will聽avoid unnecessary socializing, others won’t. Generally, it’s better to assume they won’t.
As always, if you鈥檝e never been a part of a funeral procession and are asked to, speak to others attending the funeral or a funeral director. They don鈥檛 want you to make a mistake just as much as you don鈥檛. However, in order to avoid embarrassment and potentially dangerous situation, it鈥檚 going to take some compromise from both parties. It’s mostly the public, though.
If you are looking for more advice and useful information head to our 聽Or for help on planning your own or someone’s send-off,
