If you haven’t attended many funerals, you might be a little rusty on the details of driving in a procession. Although it might seem intimidating, funeral processions are easy to participate in if you’re familiar with standard protocol. Here’s a brief guide to help you stay in line. 

Do: 

Arrive a little early. 

Funerals can be stressful for surviving family members, so don’t complicate matters by arriving late to the event. If you will be driving in the funeral procession, ask the director what time the cars will leave, and show up 15 to 20 minutes early.

Turn on your headlights.

As soon as you start driving in the funeral procession, turn on your headlights and make sure the emergency lights are flashing so other cars can tell you are part of the group. Headlights should be used regardless of the time of day the funeral is being held. 

Don’t:

Leave the procession.

Since other people in the funeral procession will be following you, never leave or allow other cars to turn into the line. Keep your car close to the one in front of you so other drivers aren’t tempted to cut in. Follow the hearse carefully, and don’t take alternate routes, even if you know a faster way to the cemetery or chapel. Additionally, keep in mind that in some states, such as Missouri, processions have the right of way, though they must yield to emergency vehicles.

Speed.

When driving to funerals, travel slightly slower than you normally would on the same roads. For instance, on the freeway, don’t go faster than 55 miles per hour, and keep your speed slower than other posted road signs. Driving slowly keeps everyone in your party safe, allows people in your party to stay with the group, and lets other drivers know you are on your way to a funeral. 

Knowing what to do and when to do it during funerals can be tricky, which is why the experts are always on hand to help. If you have questions about an upcoming memorial service, talk with the team at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel in Boone County, MO. From helping family members pen touching obituaries to planning the perfect farewell, this team of funeral experts can help you to get through this difficult time. To learn more about their services, visit their website or call (573) 441-2932.