Funeral processions have a long, rich history, but they can be hazardous to your health…….and your wallet. Just ask the Michigan-based Jimmy John’s sandwich shop employee who twice cut into a funeral procession while making deliveries. He later received a ticket for failure to yield, and he lost his job. It could have been worse. In 2009, Carol Struebing was killed when her sister drove them right into the path of an oncoming funeral procession, not realizing the procession had the right-of-way. Funeral directors say driving in or near a procession is risky these days. That’s because many drivers in the U.S. are unaware of the laws and customs surrounding funeral processions. They’re also increasingly on their phones and distracted while driving. Then there are others who simply don’t care. Many states have no laws regarding funeral processions. In others, the lead vehicle in the procession must obey traffic signals at intersections, but once the lead vehicle proceeds through the intersection, all the cars behind it may follow without stopping, even if the light turns red in the midst of the procession. Nevada is the only state that specifically allows the lead vehicle to go through a red light without stopping. Traditionally, a police escort for the funeral procession ensured less confusion for everyone on the roads but that custom is fading away due to liability issues and the lack of available personnel.
