Post by: SomeKid on April 21, 2008, 08:11:05 AM
I noticed going the opposite direction traffic generally stopped and moved over, often with more deference than is shown police. Was this etiquette, or TN law (if anyone knows). Also, they went through a red light, and interestingly, the driver of the lead hearse seemed to be gesturing to people who had the green light to stop, as he pulled into the intersection. What is the deal with that? That intersection has a red light camera, which I despise, but I sure hope it catches the hearse and they ticket them. That is a VERY busy intersection, and they could have caused a wreck. Or is there something special I am missing there? In the end, I drove past them in the passing lane, and simply looked back, watching opposing traffic pull over and stop, and I then noticed flashing lights in the hearse, something I thought was forbidden except to emergency vehicles.
So, is there some special provision, etiquette or whatever for funeral processions?
Post by: wmenorr67 on April 21, 2008, 08:16:00 AM
Post by: SomeKid on April 21, 2008, 08:21:45 AM
Not sure of the law in Tn but usually there is some sort of escort that will block traffic at intersections.
Absolutely zero police presence for this one, though I have at times past seen them. Generally, unless you are someone deemed important, you don't get an escort.
Post by: Ex-MA Hole on April 21, 2008, 09:25:00 AM
Post by: J.J. on April 21, 2008, 09:41:35 AM
What you did was disrespectful and rude.
Post by: Gewehr98 on April 21, 2008, 09:44:25 AM
Then again, my generation shows a bit more respect for all things in general, too, including the deceased.
Hearses have flashing lights, sometimes purple strobes. Those vehicles pulling over in the oncoming lane were doing the right thing.
Post by: SADShooter on April 21, 2008, 09:47:19 AM
I know that when we buried my grandfather in Alabama some years ago, the escorting deputies stood to attention and removed their cover at intersections, as did a number of motorists. That mark of respect meant a lot to me at the time.
Post by: Jamisjockey on April 21, 2008, 09:49:31 AM
Post by: mfree on April 21, 2008, 09:54:54 AM
Somewhere in another world your ancestors are looking at you in red-faced shame.
Post by: Ex-MA Hole on April 21, 2008, 09:55:25 AM
http://www.state.tn.us/sos/acts/101/pub/pc691.pdf
You committed a crime by passing the procession, and owe the state $50 for your (selfish/ ignorant/ idiotic/ rude/ immature/ insensitive/ obnoxious, etc) actions.
Post by: cassandra and sara's daddy on April 21, 2008, 10:08:03 AM
Post by: The Annoyed Man on April 21, 2008, 10:09:19 AM
Post by: SomeKid on April 21, 2008, 10:15:15 AM
Not properly identified (Section 3). I had no idea I was passing a funeral procession until I was up there with the hearses, and even then I saw no flashing lights until I was in front of them. Nobody had flags. There was no "auditory signaling device". I am not worried about a ticket, because by the letter of the law, I committed no crime (though I came close, thanks for the citation).
For all you holier than thou types, go read my first post again. Keep in mind when I actually realized what it was, where I was, and the fact that not everyone has someone teach them every one of the million rules of courtesy. Why do you think I asked people on a POLITE forum about etiquette? Do you honestly think that it would have been safe/wise to stop dead in the road when I finally came to realize what it was? Get off the high horse, edited
Post by: The Annoyed Man on April 21, 2008, 10:29:20 AM
SomeKid: you're both right and wrong in your last post: my comments in red
>For all you holier than thou types,<NOT needed > go read my first post again. Keep in mind when I actually realized what it was, where I was, and the fact that not everyone has someone teach them every one of the million rules of courtesy. Why do you think I asked people on a POLITE forum about etiquette? Do you honestly think that it would have been safe/wise to stop dead in the road when I finally came to realize what it was?<a VERY good question. But should have stopped here> Get off the high horse, pricks.<Completely unnecessary, and bordering on not allowed.
Pointing out that you didn't know, fine. Calling names of the folks that corrected you? Juvenile...
**WE NOW RETURN YOU TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED POST**
Post by: SomeKid on April 21, 2008, 10:34:10 AM
Post by: SADShooter on April 21, 2008, 10:36:28 AM
Post by: The Annoyed Man on April 21, 2008, 10:38:36 AM
Strings, I was not calling everyone who corrected me a holier than thou type, that was directed at those who were condescending in how they did it.
I certainly wasn't condescending about you, if you took it that way, my apologies. I'd guess that the law about funeral processions having the right of way here is because there were people who tried to interfere/break them up/pass them...
Post by: SomeKid on April 21, 2008, 10:52:28 AM
So, you saw multiple cars operating "hazard" flashers, cars slowing and pulling to the right, and cars stopping, and your reaction was to pass, I assume at a not significantly reduced rate of speed since you didn't specify? You figured the situation out after you were beyond the lead vehicles, and are complaining because *they* committed a safety violation and inconvenienced you?
Have I summed the situation up accurately?
Have I summed the situation up accurately?
No.
I saw cars with hazard flashers, but thought there was a traffic problem. True, I did not specify, but I did slow down (assumptions are not good to make). Basic driving safety there. FWIW, I have a perfect driving record. Zero wrecks, mine or someone else's fault, and no driving citations. I may be in the high risk category (age and sex), but I like my truck, and I slow down if I think something might be wrong with traffic. I have no clue where you get the idea they inconvenienced me, they were in the right (slow) lane, I was in the left (passing) lane. It is worth noting how the road is designed, they were coming in on the off ramp from the interstate, which makes one of the two lanes for that part of the road, I came in from the side that was not interstate, when I met the procession I met it somewhere between midway and near the tail (when the roads all merged), well out of sight of the hearses and with nothing to ID it. Regarding the safety violation, it is a major intersection, which has had some nasty wrecks before. The way the hearse cavalierly pulled out into it, simply waving at oncoming traffic to stop WAS dangerous.
If I can figure out how to make google maps work right, I will show you the intersection.
Post by: The Annoyed Man on April 21, 2008, 10:53:59 AM
Post by: Ex-MA Hole on April 21, 2008, 10:54:18 AM
18, 19?
Post by: charby on April 21, 2008, 10:56:10 AM
So, is there some special provision, etiquette or whatever for funeral processions?
Here in Iowa by law funeral processions have the right away through intersections. The people in the procession have their headlights on to show that they are part of the procession. Don't need to have an police escort. I'm not sure about having to pull over like for emergency vehicles, but folks do it out of respect and I hold no respect for people that don't show respect for funeral processions.
Post by: The Annoyed Man on April 21, 2008, 10:56:53 AM
Regardless of how condescending folks "sound" here, calling 'em "pricks" kinda went over the top...
Post by: SomeKid on April 21, 2008, 10:57:28 AM
Somekid, I'm curious, how old are you?
18, 19?
18, 19?
Older, why?
Strings, maybe.
Hey SADS, why the post edit? Want to make another assumption?
Post by: Ex-MA Hole on April 21, 2008, 10:58:20 AM
Post by: The Annoyed Man on April 21, 2008, 11:01:21 AM
Post by: SomeKid on April 21, 2008, 11:03:12 AM
and how "maybe"?
I see your point, and tactfully disagree with it, though I am thinking it over. I think it fits really well, but maybe it is wrong for this forum. If the mods chime in and say wrong for the forum, I will change it myself. If not, I might change it if I wind up agreeing with you.
24.
Post by: Ex-MA Hole on April 21, 2008, 11:05:11 AM
Preacherman, Rules of this forum:
Hello, all. Given our influx of new members, I thought it was time to remind members of our (relatively few) posting rules on APS.
1. Please watch your language. No vulgarities, rudeness, or words that would make Art's Grandma blush (or swear herself!).
2. No porn, gratuitous violence, or offensive posts. Moderators' judgment will be the determining factor in what is offensive. If you'd say it to a gathering in your average family living-room, you should be fine to say it here.
3. Offensive threads will be deleted in their entirety. Offensive posts will be deleted, leaving the original thread intact if possible. Offenders won't be warned - if you see a post or thread of yours is gone, it means it fell foul of Rule 1 or Rule 2 above.
4. Repeat offenders will be banned. No excuses, no reasons needed, no argument. The rules are simple enough. If you can't follow 'em, don't post!
I hope this is clear.
Post by: Ex-MA Hole on April 21, 2008, 11:07:46 AM
I'm surprised that in what, 7+ years of driving, +/- 21 years of being aware of other people's driving, you've never learned/ noticed how to drive around a funeral?
I'm surprised, that's all.
And, in case you didn't figure it out on your own, the "prick" comment is WAY over the top.
Post by: SomeKid on April 21, 2008, 11:10:21 AM
It is changed.
I did not start driving at 16. See, unlike most people in my generation my parents did not just buy me a car at 16. You are assuming, like another poster did before. As for funeral processions, I actually don't run into them often. I cannot recall the last time I encountered one. Starting to get the drift as to why I asked guys at the Polite place for tips/advice?
Post by: Fjolnirsson on April 21, 2008, 11:21:05 AM
Now, I almost posted here earlier, when I saw how his case got jumped all over, when he asked for proper etiquette. Some people weren't raised with any, and so we have to ask when we encounter something we don't know. It was quite clear tome from his first post that the procession wasn't properly identified. He was a bit abrupt in his post, yes.
As for never having seen a funeral procession, I doubt I'll ever see one again, myself. I saw them daily, growing up in the SF Bay Area, but not once in the three years I have lived in rural Oregon. Different population size, different death rate, different customs.
I think most of the people in this thread were a bit less than polite. Just my two cents. I'd hate to see this turn into something where good people get banned.
Post by: SomeKid on April 21, 2008, 11:24:39 AM
I'll probably regret this, but I'm going to chime in here. I know Somekid from elsewhere, as well as APS, and he does go a bit over the top sometimes. That said, he's a good guy, and even though brash and near barbaric at times, he is one of the "good guys". He went overboard here.
Only nearly? I would claim to be offended, but I like the term too much.
That said, you did nail pretty much everything.
Post by: roo_ster on April 21, 2008, 11:27:29 AM
The common lack of this knowledge is a shame on all of us: those who remain ignorant and those who never taught them in the first place.
Post by: roo_ster on April 21, 2008, 11:28:22 AM
Post by: SomeKid on April 21, 2008, 11:30:46 AM
OK then, I have had my etiquette lesson. Now for a question I brought up earlier:
Based on the situation I was in when I finally realized what it was, what would be the wisest and safest course of action?
I am on a 5 lane road, funeral procession is in the far right lane, I am in the lane next to them, to my left is a turning lane, and two lanes going the opposite direction. By the time I realize what is to the right of me, I am near the hearse. Do I break politeness and go ahead, or stop in the middle of the road?
Post by: Ex-MA Hole on April 21, 2008, 11:41:08 AM
Based on your post, and your post alone, I will respectfully back out of this thread.
I trust and value your opinion, and will leave it at that.
Good day Gentlemen.
Post by: SADShooter on April 21, 2008, 12:01:24 PM
I edited my post because I decided on further reflection that it wasn't complete, and that's its tone, as is, might be inappropriate. I didn't want to get into a back and forth, and I was confident that others would address my issues with your post.
Question asked and answered. I'll say I hope the feedback here has been informative, and leave it at that.
Post by: lupinus on April 21, 2008, 12:27:28 PM
We all run into a funeral procession now and again and don't realize it. LAst time I did was a four way stop sign where someone stopped I went and only then did I notice the hearse in my mirror. Whoops, it happens to all of us now and again.
Post by: Perd Hapley on April 21, 2008, 12:41:24 PM
For the record, I'm thirty-one, and have been driving for twelve years. What I'm reading here doesn't make all that much sense to me. Am I to understand that, when a funeral procession is in the oncoming lane, on the other side of the road, I'm supposed to pull over or stop? Why is this considered to be courtesy? And wouldn't that just lead to more funerals?
I don't know how the law reads, here, but I don't recall seeing any markings or escorts in funeral processions, other than people turning on headlights or flashers.
Post by: lupinus on April 21, 2008, 01:19:10 PM
If it's a two land road then generally speaking yes, you should pull over and stop, I've noticed a lot here do that. Many do just sort of slow down so they aren't whizzing by.
Post by: SomeKid on April 21, 2008, 01:30:23 PM
fistful-
If it's a two land road then generally speaking yes, you should pull over and stop, I've noticed a lot here do that. Many do just sort of slow down so they aren't whizzing by.
If it's a two land road then generally speaking yes, you should pull over and stop, I've noticed a lot here do that. Many do just sort of slow down so they aren't whizzing by.
The road in question is a 5 lane road. Two each direction, and a turning lane. This added to my confusion when I saw people pulling over on the opposite side, I looked around thinking I had somehow missed an emergency vehicle coming.
Post by: Bogie on April 21, 2008, 01:53:55 PM
Why do all these folks have flashers on? Everyone?
Sheesh, probably some sorta biohazard thing - I'm gonna take another route.
Kthnxbye...
Post by: never_retreat on April 21, 2008, 01:56:04 PM
I don't remember anything in the drivers ed book about funerals. On a multi lane road I have passed them and thought nothing about it. After all wasn't the road designed with more than one lane for a reason. I have also pulled out into the middle of one, mostly because I had no idea what was going on. I just looked like a line of traffic to me.
Post by: The Annoyed Man on April 21, 2008, 02:18:40 PM
Quote
And unlike Paddy, I don't claim to know every traffic reg in my state. rolleyes
Uh, I don't have them all memorized, but I know where to find them. And it isn't APS. Doh.
Post by: Leatherneck on April 21, 2008, 02:20:35 PM
State laws vary (we gunnies know all about THAT) regarding funerals and traffic laws. We old-timers have perhaps a bit more built-in respect for the deceased than young folks do, but I bet when they get to our exalted age, they'll be able to say the same thing.
So back off on the auto-criticism, please.
And Kid, the "prick" name-calling was over the top and warrants an apology.
JMHO.
TC
Post by: Boomhauer on April 21, 2008, 02:42:54 PM
Quote
What I'm reading here doesn't make all that much sense to me. Am I to understand that, when a funeral procession is in the oncoming lane, on the other side of the road, I'm supposed to pull over or stop? Why is this considered to be courtesy? And wouldn't that just lead to more funerals?
I don't pull over or stop. I've got places to be and things to do, and time is money. Nothing in the traffic laws about funeral processions, either. If a cop is directing traffic, then I will obey his directions. I will, however, take an alternate route if viable.
I remember one funeral procession that was traveling in the oncoming lane. An idiot cop on a motorcycle came zooming up the yellow line on a narrow, busy road. A funeral procession isn't an emergency, so no need for that kind of crap.
Post by: wmenorr67 on April 21, 2008, 03:00:21 PM
Post by: wooderson on April 21, 2008, 03:03:52 PM
We pull over for emergency vehicles to ensure that they can perform their duties (and presumably keep us all safer). I get annoyed when people haul butt in front of them or don't pull over - but that's a different situation.
Post by: 280plus on April 21, 2008, 04:35:54 PM
Funny how some things stick with you...
Speaking of Catholics, who caught the Pope at Yankee stadium? Man, the church sure spends a lot of bread dressing that guy...
Post by: 280plus on April 21, 2008, 04:48:20 PM
Post by: TF_FH on April 22, 2008, 11:14:01 AM
I'll tell you though, now that I'm thinking about it, if you've never ridden in a funeral procession you'd be surprised how many rude people there are out there...
I haven't seen a funeral procession in a long while, but from what I do remember, is that a lot of them aren't exactly marked properly. Then again I figure the person is dead anyway, they arent going to have a heart attack if I'm late to the cemetery..... But on a serious note, in areas that have heavy traffic, I don't see why you need to have a convoy to the cemetery.
Post by: Matthew Carberry on April 22, 2008, 11:16:07 AM
Another reason why I'm to be creamated. I refuse to hog valuable real estate for my fat, bloated, drug and bullet ridden carcass (I have fantasies on how I'm to die).....and I'd hate to cause a traffic snarl for a funeral.
We're just gonna roll you over the gunwale. The Red Sea sharks will take care of the rest.
Post by: SomeKid on April 22, 2008, 11:22:06 AM
Post by: 280plus on April 22, 2008, 11:24:16 AM
Post by: Matthew Carberry on April 22, 2008, 11:28:24 AM
For good or ill, traditions change, especially as an area's demographics change.
It's a lot easier to understand the idea of pulling aside for a funerary cortege when you envision it taking place in a small town where everyone knows everyone else and was taught the same things by their parents that their parents learned.
I tend to pull aside if i'm not on a road where that would be unsafe, but I was raised with that.
I will pass if they are on the highway, cause I'm not going 20 or more miles at 45 and there aren't any alternate routes up here.
I think not pulling out into one just makes sense, again, if you can realize what it is in time. If I did that accidentally, I'd try to pull off out of it as soon as I could.
Post by: HankB on April 22, 2008, 12:00:44 PM
Otherwise, I was under the impression that if a stoplight turned red before the lead car of funeral arrived, he was to stop . . . but if the lead car went through and then the light turned red, the other cars which were part of the funeral procession could continue.
Cutting into a funeral procession was not to be done.
I never heard anything about not passing a funeral on a multi-lane road, or pulling over to the shoulder if the funeral was on the other side of the road.
Post by: SomeKid on April 22, 2008, 12:23:27 PM
Quote
Otherwise, I was under the impression that if a stoplight turned red before the lead car of funeral arrived, he was to stop . . . but if the lead car went through and then the light turned red, the other cars which were part of the funeral procession could continue.
And just in case anyone missed it, the light was red before the lead car arrived, hence the reason people from the green light side were turning, and the lead car simply pushed on, waving at them to stop.
However, that has been discussed. Whoever it was that commented people tend to read the first few posts, and respond was right. I doubt the questions raised in post 33 ever get responded to.
Post by: Matthew Carberry on April 22, 2008, 12:43:20 PM
The question about getting caught next to them in the left lane, right about the middle of the pack, on a 5 lane?
Sped up and passed them is what I would have done.
Slow down and get behind them for some unknown amount of time until they get where they're going would, of course, be option 2. But not one I'd choose.
Pulling into the turn lane to stop would seem both illegal and dangerous and would just end up with you behind them, same as just slowing down.
I think you did okay given your situation. You didn't break into the line and it wasn't like you came up from behind and blew on by. It was a merge, your options seem pretty limited.
Post by: Larry Ashcraft on April 22, 2008, 01:09:06 PM
Some kid tried to get the funeral procession to stop so he could turn in the middle of it. He started getting pissy about it and a cop yanked him out of the car and taught him a lesson in respect. I was in the limo right next to where it happened.
I noticed many older people stopping and sometimes rmoving their hats in respect. The younger folks mostly couldn't be bothered.
I was really impressed when I was in the funeral procession for my other grandmother in 1987. The funeral was way out in the country. One man was mowing his lawn as we passed. He shut off the mower, stood up and held his hat over his heart until the procession had passed.
I miss small town America.
Post by: Tallpine on April 22, 2008, 01:46:10 PM
I ain't in any hurry.
Post by: cassandra and sara's daddy on April 22, 2008, 03:20:18 PM
Post by: 280plus on April 22, 2008, 05:06:43 PM
Post by: Regolith on April 22, 2008, 05:13:44 PM
I do remember we had a police escort for my grandfather's funeral. Though, the route for the procession was 20 or so miles, so that might have had something to do with it. He was also a WWII vet, so it's possible the local veterans group arranged for it, too (I had just turned 18; my father and grandmother took care of all of the details, so I don't know how all of that was arranged).
Post by: wmenorr67 on April 23, 2008, 04:45:49 AM