Question?

I was just wondering what is the etiquette for a funeral procession in the city? I drove up on a long funeral procession yesterday on Rymal Road in Hamilton and the person in front of me slowed down so I went to pull over but everyone passed me. I originally came from a very small town and we always pulled off the road as a sign of respect. What is the proper etiquette do I pull over or do nothing at all and keep driving?

Steve

Answer!

Dear Steve: I just wanted to first give you a bit of history of how a funeral procession was held in the past. Before the automobile, the casket was transported by a horse-drawn carriage. Walking in front of the horse would be the undertaker (now called a Funeral Director). This dignified procession would find the family and mourners behind the carriage walking solemnly through the community to the cemetery. For a brief moment as the procession walked by, strangers would take their hats off and bow their heads in respect for the deceased and the mourners.

Today, the procession still remains an integral part of the funeral service. However it is becoming increasingly difficult for Funeral Directors to maintain this traditional practice.

Vehicles in the procession are lined up in a particular order. The Funeral Director accompanied by the clergy leads the way, followed by the funeral coach, limousines for family and then friends in their own cars. You can quickly identify a funeral procession by either the white “funeral” flags on the vehicles and or the lead car with a purple flashing light. For long processions a police escort is often used.

Yielding or pulling off the road is a personal choice and safety must be considered when honoring this tradition. However, with today’s higher volume of traffic, busier lifestyles and younger motorists who may not be aware of funeral etiquette, the ritual of pulling over is beginning to lessen. In Canada funeral processions have no legal right to proceed through a stop sign, intersection or red light without first coming to a complete stop.

One of the most respectful actions a driver can do is to give the right of way to a funeral procession. This compassionate gift from a stranger means so much to families.