FAQs About Funeral Procession

How many times do you come across a funeral procession going down the street from funeral homes Westmont, PA? What do you do? Do you pull over, join the procession, or like most people, get confused about what to do? And most importantly, how to act if you’re

To help you out, we have outlined a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about proper funeral procession etiquette. Read the below questions and let us know if you have any further queries.

1. Should you pull over for a funeral procession?

From a traditional point of view, a person is expected to pull over for a funeral procession. The aim is to show your respect to the deceased and the mourners. But it’s not written in stone and you can continue moving in any emergency.

The reason why most people pull over is to show reverence at the passing away of a human being. Just put yourself in the family’s shoes. Imagine how would you feel if someone shows utmost respect to the procession of your lost loved one. Do you want them to be respectful of the procession?

It’s not surprising that many people may get annoyed at those who didn’t care and cut the procession off as if nothing happened. No grieving family should be made to feel that way. So, the right order of business is to pull over when you see a funeral procession, though you’re not legally obligated to.

2. Do I have to stop for a funeral procession?

Yes, stopping for a funeral procession is customarily the proper thing to do. It shows you care for the mourners even though you don’t know the deceased.

However, it’s not a rule and you may not have time to stop completely. You may be trying to get to the hospital or another important place.

3. What is a funeral cortege?

A funeral cortege is just another term for the funeral procession. When all the members of the procession come together as one to take their loved one to their final place of rest, it is called a funeral cortege.

funeral homes Westmont, PAWhat To Do When You Encounter a Funeral Procession

Here are the dos and don’ts of handling a funeral procession:

  • Be respectful.
  • Try to pull over once the lead car has entered traffic to make sure the entire procession follows without interruption. Even if their traffic light is red and yours is green, stop and allow the procession to continue through the intersection.
  • The last vehicle in the procession has two or more flags and hazard lights flashing. Once it passes by, you can resume the journey.
  • Don’t cut into a procession – until you are attending a serious emergency.
  • Don’t honk at a car in a funeral procession.

Hopefully, this article has cleared all your queries regarding funeral procession etiquette. All you have to do is be respectful to the mourners if you ever pass through a funeral procession leaving funeral homes Westmont, PA.