Funeral Processions

[Mike Crenshaw]

On my way home from lunch today I was travelling on a busy major freeway when traffic slowed to a crawl.  The opposite lane was empty and up ahead I observed two motorcycle escorts leading a funeral procession in the inside (fast) lane.  The outside lanes were empty of traffic, no one was passing the cortege.  Normally on city streets, two lanes, or country roads I would pull over out of respect for the deceased (it's a Southern thing but may extend elsewhere, I don't know).  But to my mind, this is different in that it's a major extremely busy artery through a major metropolitan area, so most everyone on my side just slowed down and continued.  The question is, do you slow down or stop for funeral processions?

[rocker59]

On a two lane road?  Yes.

On a multi-lane expressway or interstate?  No.  But, I do stay out of their way and avoid impeding them.


The last few funeral processions I've been in have been dangerous gauntlets of motorists who are not part of the processions cutting off and angrily weaving in and out of the processions as we were proceeding down multi-lane expressways, with police escort. 

People are inconsiderate.  And dangerous!

[oldbike54]

 In town or on a rural two lane I always pull over , but no doubt stopping on a multi-lane hi-way is asking for trouble . You did the right thing Mike .

 Dusty

[ITSec]

Processions should stick to surface roads unless that is impossible - such as needing to use a bridge, or moving between widely separated locations. If they do use a freeway, they should expect to not be unduly interrupted, but they should also be moving at least the minimum speed of the freeway (i.e., usually 45 or more). They do need to be ready to have people move through them to reach exits, or on entry to move into regular lanes not occupied by the procession.

And those of us not in the procession should continue to move at a safe but routine speed rather than slowing down or leaving unused lanes. If the procession is going at least the minimum speed, then the difference should only be 15-20 mph, a perfectly safe amount in most situations.

[n3303j]

On my way home from lunch today I was travelling on a busy major freeway when traffic slowed to a crawl.  The opposite lane was empty and up ahead I observed two motorcycle escorts leading a funeral procession in the inside (fast) lane.  The outside lanes were empty of traffic, no one was passing the cortege.  Normally on city streets, two lanes, or country roads I would pull over out of respect for the deceased (it's a Southern thing but may extend elsewhere, I don't know).  But to my mind, this is different in that it's a major extremely busy artery through a major metropolitan area, so most everyone on my side just slowed down and continued.  The question is, do you slow down or stop for funeral processions?

What state / town was the procession you speak of?

Billie Graham recently died. I think today was his funeral. I was departing CLT in North Carolina. We were held 20 minutes at the gate. Both Air Force 1s and two Air Force Heavy cargo jets were on the ramp. The President was in town for the funeral with his motorcade. I'm sure this made for some unusual traffic controls.

[Ncdan]

Speaking as a retired motor officer in a large southern city. NO, do not stop in a designated lane of traffic for a funeral, escorted by the police or not. If you want to pull your vehicle totally off the road and out of the lane of traffic feel free to do so however do not force other motorists to sit and wait for the procession to pass by. If you are on an interstate and attempt to block a moving lane of traffic and someone is killed as a result of your actions be prepared to be charged with manslaughter.