Dear FD, While driving, am I supposed to pull over for funeral processions?

Answer:

Legally, drivers are not required to actually pull to the side of the road, but must yield to a funeral procession, such as at a traffic light or stop sign. As long as the funeral vehicles and all participants in the procession are flagged properly, the procession is not required to stop for anything other than emergency vehicles.

Drivers can be cited

Drivers can, however, be cited for a civil infraction for cutting into or through a funeral procession. Unbelievably, this does happen, and it’s usually due to distracted driving rather than disrespect.

Exercise caution

Certainly, when driving in procession, we exercise caution and vigilance at all times, as should other drivers when encountering a procession.

An appreciated sign of respect

That said, if it is safe to do so, families appreciate the sign of respect and dignity shown when fellow travelers take the time to slow down or stop, or in the case of veterans, perhaps even render an appropriate salute.

Manner of care

William Gladstone, a former British Prime Minister, said, “Show me the manner in which a nation cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness, the tender mercy of its people, their respect for the law of the land and their loyalty to high ideals.”

A gesture of tenderness

In today’s hectic and rushed world, it would do our society good to take a moment to acknowledge the meaning of our slow, sad parade, and thus communicate to those riding in the funeral cars, a small gesture of tenderness and mercy.