By: Natasha Archary
Funeral and wedding processions can cause a lot of confusion on the roads. What is the protocol for motorists when a funeral procession is passing with and without being regulated by police?
Also known as a cortege, it used to be that funeral processions would be allowed to pass in an uninterrupted, continuous line.
Usually motorists would either pull over and give the procession right of way with common courtesy prevailing.
This can seem like a big ask to motorists who have either spent an extended amount of time in traffic or are in a rush to get somewhere and impatience kicks in.
The rules of the road should always be observed but if there are members of the convoy directing the funeral procession at intersections or traffic lights, then other motorists should abide to ensure safety.
If someone were to skip a traffic light whilst a procession is underway, the risk of a collision is likely.
The Kaya Drive team were divided on the matter with Sizwe saying there’s no need to allow every car in a procession right of way.
“We’re all getting to the same destination right? You would have been given the location of the cemetery so why should we allow a procession to go ahead uninterrupted?”
Sizwe Dhomo on Kaya Drive
The rest of the team felt it was not only a matter of respect to the family but for many following a funeral procession is a way to honour their dearly departed loved one in a final send off.
Also read: Kaya Drive: Snubbing food at funerals is frowned upon
Listen to the conversation on Kaya Drive:
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Mon 15:00:38 to 16:01:14 Kaya FM 95.9
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Mon 15:00:38 to 16:01:14 Kaya FM 95.9
Protocols to observe if you encounter a procession:
- Yield the right of way. Just as you would for an emergency vehicle, funeral processions should receive the same rule of thumb.
- This should be practiced even if your light turns green and the procession is still in the intersection, you must wait until it has passed before proceeding.
- Be respectful. Never honk your horn, yell, rev your engine, or show any other signs of aggression toward the cortege.
- Pull over and allow the procession to go by if it’s a single lane road.
- Don’t cut in or tag along as it is rude to do so if you are not a participant.
- Watch for the last vehicle in the procession.
Protocols if you are driving in a funeral procession:
- Turn on your headlights. This lets other drivers know that you are part of the procession.
- Keep your place in line. Remain as close to the car in front of you as is safely possible. This will prevent other vehicles on the road from interrupting the procession.
- Drive slowly. Most funeral processions go below the posted speed limit and no more than 55 mph on the highway.
- Be respectful. Do not blast the radio, use your cell phone, or honk the horn while you’re participating in this solemn event.
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