I was driving, taking my son for a scuba lesson. (If you arrive late, you are locked out of the pool) I am chronically early everywhere I go so we left with PLENTY of time to get there.
As I approach an intersection near my home I stopped for what I thought was a Motorcycle Cop in the intersection. I am in the curb lane attempting to turn right. I was the at the head of the line in the right turn only lane.
As soon as I stopped the funeral procession came blowing through the red light. I don't know who died, but you would think it could have been the Pope! The line of cars with lights on went for ever.
After SIX minutes, (try sitting in your car waiting for a light for six actual minutes) I started to turn right. There was NO cross traffic, as everybody was stopped for the procession. I started to inch forward to try to make my turn. This wanna-be-cop throws out his hand and yells "don't even think about it"
As I had my 15 year-old son with me (and also with as much respect for the dead person as I could muster) I kept my mouth shut and waited another THREE minutes before I made my turn. I know it might sound petty, but sit at a light for NINE minutes and you'll be crazy too!
What I really wanted to do was get at Barney Fife and have him join the person in the Hearse.
What are the laws pertaining to funeral processions? ( I'm in Texas) What happens if somebody not paying attention goes through a GREEN light and gets nailed by a person in the procession going though a RED light?
Anybody feel my pain?
James

 

"What happens if somebody not paying attention goes through a GREEN light and gets nailed by a person in the procession going though a RED light?"

Assuming there was a cop directing traffic it would be the one w/ the green lights fault. An officers signals are always priority over a lights.

 

In Alberta,It is against the law to interfere with a funeral procession no matter who died.

That means : Sit tight until it has passed.

I usually turn on my headlights in a show of respect to the lucky/un-lucky person that died

 

My parents are funeral directors, and I know that the same is true here in the US, even Police aren't allowed to mess with them (that's why there is usually a police escort, to prevent problems)
If a hearse is heading the procession they usually will have a purple strobe light (that's the industry standard), So keep an eye out and be patient.

 

The person directing traffic was NOT a cop, but rather a funeral escort. I too have respect for the dead, but there has to be a limit as to how long you are "detained". I'm sure most of the people at the end of the line just turned on their lights to make better time in traffic.
On a lighter note: I just love the "funeral type" ad that is attatched to the bottom of this thread
James

 

Actually it doesn't matter how long the procession is..( 2 weeks ago the funeral of a 2 weeks at the job Firefighter was in Calgary) The procession was over 20 minutes long complete with a dozen M/C cops looking after cross streets in its path.

I chalk it up to: One of life's Little Consequences,that I can live with
Pardon the pun

 

Just at the wrong place at the wrong time. I used to live in San Marcos, Tx., the trains (the LONG ones) go right thru the middle of town, always had to leave early for work because you never knew if the train would get in the way.

 

Hey shakesspearsdad, when was this? Did this happen to be last sunday? I know a Keller Fireman died, and his procession was last sunday. They burried him in the cemetery on Bourland. Were there any firetrucks in the procession?

 

"don't even think about it"? i'd call the funeral company and ask where they find the bums that work for them.

we have flag guys to manage traffice at some of our construction jobs. one of them started yelling and whistling at people, basically being a jerk. foreman told him right off to show some respect to the people or he'd be going home early. it's not always easy waving traffic in rush hour but it doesn't help anyone to be a jerk about it.

far as i know the law here says that vehicles in a funeral procession are allowed to go thru the red light provided the lead car has passed on a green light, and of course they do so carefully. i suppose it makes sense to have an escort to stop the traffic but if they're going to turn it into a parade they should think about getting some professional help.

i would have done the same if i'd been waiting ten minutes. shouldn't the really sad people all be in the first couple of cars?

 

Funny you bring this up, as I was going to ask a similar question: why are funeral processions allowed on EXPRESSWAYS and INTERSTATES? I was on my way to work the other day when people start slamming on their brakes: a funeral procession, going 35 mph, in the MIDDLE lane of 3-lane I-490. It turns out to be TWO funeral processions, back-to-back. On an EXPRESSWAY?! This should be outlawed, as it's dangerous. I mean, the "guest of honor" (the one in the BACK of the hearse) is certainly in no hurry to get where he or she is going, so why should the mourners be? And they AREN'T in a hurry, as they're only going 35 mph on a 65 mph road. This is insane!

 

I know in MA it is about a $100 fine to interfer with one. I do not know what the fine is in GA.

> Anybody feel my pain?

Not me. In regards to the nine minutes, it could have been worse, you could have been riding in the limo crying over the loss of your son. Then I would understand your pain.

 

nine minutes of traffic. how many moms did this guy have to grieve over him? that's a parade not a funeral.

 

I have never understood funeral processions. Just drive yourself from the church to the cemetary. What difference does it make whether you go in a line or not?

 

it has been a while since i have been to a funeral, but the last one i went to i do recall wondering the same thing. i have wondered about that even as a child. i also 110% with websths, a nine minute wait is a parade no matter who is in the limo mourning who. they dont care who makes the light or not if they are mourning so much anyhow, as long as they get through. i doubt that they are in that much of a hurry to put their loved one in the ground anyhow.

 

When I lived up in the city, some of the funeral processions were more like races. There would be the front of the procession, going through the green light...then it would change, and they'd still be going, escort or not. Most of the time, they're all honking their horns. Occassionally though, you'll get a straggler, and they'll honk their horns and blast through the red light with wreckless abandon to try and catch up. I'm surprised I never saw an accident.

One night, my buddy and I were out at a bar and on our way back. We both had a few under our belt, but he had a few more and was LOADED. A funeral procession came by, and there were some people trying to get by it. He decides to step out into traffic, and direct traffic for the funeral procession. It was hilarious, he couldn't even stand up straight. Every car that drove by looked, and almost all smiled, and the rest laughed because they knew he was in the bag while doing this. Even the people waiting got a kick out of it. Maybe that's the solution?...Wasted traffic directors.