Funeral Escort
- Thread starter VolEms
- Start date
No disrespect to the people in that procession, but seriously?? 
...that kind of driving is gonna end up putting someone in a funeralhome! And for what? ...so that a group of people can arrive at the same time, in stead of a few minutes apart??
I guess that´s one way to create business?
...that kind of driving is gonna end up putting someone in a funeralhome! And for what? ...so that a group of people can arrive at the same time, in stead of a few minutes apart??I guess that´s one way to create business?
Very very unsafe and unprofessional imo. also should have more blocker vehicles for better safety.
I think it's safe to assume that is a private company and not actually law enforcement with the way they are driving, etc...
I think it's safe to assume that is a private company and not actually law enforcement with the way they are driving, etc...
GaryErrol
Member
I'm sure here in the USA those escorts happen daily especially in our larger cities. I worked for close to 17 years on a main south running street out of the city and just a few feet away from an intersection with traffic lights. Several times a week an escorted funeral procession would come by. Here instead of a couple cars, they used several motorcycles decked out with red/blue lights and sirens.
Personally when done right, I think it is a wise thing. It's bad enough that you've just left the funeral of a dear friend. The last thing you want to worry about is getting lost on the way to the cemetery. How many are going to try to beat traffic lights to stay up with the car in front of them. Without the escorts your going to have a lot more traffic accidents then with them.
Personally when done right, I think it is a wise thing. It's bad enough that you've just left the funeral of a dear friend. The last thing you want to worry about is getting lost on the way to the cemetery. How many are going to try to beat traffic lights to stay up with the car in front of them. Without the escorts your going to have a lot more traffic accidents then with them.
Is it legal to have R/B and siren on Funeral escort vehicles? Thes guys were driving way too fast IMO. I hope they have enought side warning to block off major intersections.
PTRJason
Member
Like someone else has said, with motors, it runs better, they can move easier and quicker, and not run other cars off of the road like these guys were doing.
But in California, for an officers funeral, one was struck and killed by another officer, so they are dangerous too.
I also think that procession lead car, was moving WAY too fast. They need to slow down, and the blocker cars would not have to race to get ahead.
When I worked as a cop in Arkansas, I ran an escort for one. I was the only unit for it. It was a smaller town, and all we did was pretty much start it out of the funeral home, and lead the way, when we came up to turns and intersections, I just made sure everyone was stopped, then went, the procession followed and no one tried to get in the way.
But it should be noted, in a 6-7 square mile city, we did not have ANY stop lights, and we had a major two lane highway running through it. So I did not have any huge intersections to compete with. Everyone just stayed in line and we all made it there. The funeral home was on one side of the city, the cemetery on the other, both were along the highway, so we took the highway, which ranged from 25-45 MPH speed zones. We cruised at about 25 MPH the entire time, when we reached it, I just blocked the on coming lane, everyone filed in, and when last car was in, my lights we off, and I went back on duty.
There were sometimes that they did not use the cemetery in the city, and went a next town over, which was about 15 minutes away, so we would hand off the procession to the county SO at the city limits, they would take it to the next city, and hand it off to their PD.
But in California, for an officers funeral, one was struck and killed by another officer, so they are dangerous too.
I also think that procession lead car, was moving WAY too fast. They need to slow down, and the blocker cars would not have to race to get ahead.
When I worked as a cop in Arkansas, I ran an escort for one. I was the only unit for it. It was a smaller town, and all we did was pretty much start it out of the funeral home, and lead the way, when we came up to turns and intersections, I just made sure everyone was stopped, then went, the procession followed and no one tried to get in the way.
But it should be noted, in a 6-7 square mile city, we did not have ANY stop lights, and we had a major two lane highway running through it. So I did not have any huge intersections to compete with. Everyone just stayed in line and we all made it there. The funeral home was on one side of the city, the cemetery on the other, both were along the highway, so we took the highway, which ranged from 25-45 MPH speed zones. We cruised at about 25 MPH the entire time, when we reached it, I just blocked the on coming lane, everyone filed in, and when last car was in, my lights we off, and I went back on duty.
There were sometimes that they did not use the cemetery in the city, and went a next town over, which was about 15 minutes away, so we would hand off the procession to the county SO at the city limits, they would take it to the next city, and hand it off to their PD.
hawkspringsfire
Member
If you look at his other videos it looks like private security company. He has videos of his security tahoe.
Hmm..
I understand that this is "common practise" some places, but so is aggressive driving, speeding, cutting people off, not stopping for pedestrians at crossings, driving derelict cars, not using seatbelts, texting/reading while driving, out-of-control use of POVs etc.
....it doesn´t make it a good/smart practise.
There´s a reason it´s called emergency driving and not convenience driving!
Might have been a different story if it was done without the racing to catch up, as some others describe in previous posts!
Anyways: some countires have different practices: example:
The hearse drives in calmly front, with the closest family following close. All cars hava a small lighted cross mounted with magnets on the roofs. The procession follows the natural flow of traffic, stopping at red lights etc., but it´s considered very rude to cut in between the market cars. This works quite well, people arrive within minutes of each other and there is none of the danger or noise accosiated with the types of escorts shown in this video.
Just saying....
I understand that this is "common practise" some places, but so is aggressive driving, speeding, cutting people off, not stopping for pedestrians at crossings, driving derelict cars, not using seatbelts, texting/reading while driving, out-of-control use of POVs etc.
....it doesn´t make it a good/smart practise.
There´s a reason it´s called emergency driving and not convenience driving!
Might have been a different story if it was done without the racing to catch up, as some others describe in previous posts!
Anyways: some countires have different practices: example:
The hearse drives in calmly front, with the closest family following close. All cars hava a small lighted cross mounted with magnets on the roofs. The procession follows the natural flow of traffic, stopping at red lights etc., but it´s considered very rude to cut in between the market cars. This works quite well, people arrive within minutes of each other and there is none of the danger or noise accosiated with the types of escorts shown in this video.
Just saying....
PTRJason
Member
It got me looking for other escort videos, funeral, not ladies
Here is one that is done right.
They are from an escort service in Tuscon. There is even one part of them approaching and intersection as the camera bike just takes over the lead, and the officer he took it from is coming into an intersection.
It shows the camera bike slowing his speed to almost idle, which is causing the procession to slow, until the officer just coming into the intersection has a chance to make use all traffic sees, is yielding, and is stopped before they proceed. That is how is should be. Not leap frogging or playing catch up right as the lead enters an intersection and then assuming everyone is stopping for you just because you are there. That is what the first video is full of.
And here is another, don't do video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBeBk_i7gBc
Its also from Arizona, I almost wonder if he has an oral fetish, he wants that damn whistle in his mouth. Its on a cord around your neck, you have time to put it in before you get out of the car.
Here is one that is done right.
They are from an escort service in Tuscon. There is even one part of them approaching and intersection as the camera bike just takes over the lead, and the officer he took it from is coming into an intersection.
It shows the camera bike slowing his speed to almost idle, which is causing the procession to slow, until the officer just coming into the intersection has a chance to make use all traffic sees, is yielding, and is stopped before they proceed. That is how is should be. Not leap frogging or playing catch up right as the lead enters an intersection and then assuming everyone is stopping for you just because you are there. That is what the first video is full of.
And here is another, don't do video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBeBk_i7gBc
Its also from Arizona, I almost wonder if he has an oral fetish, he wants that damn whistle in his mouth. Its on a cord around your neck, you have time to put it in before you get out of the car.
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Agreed; the one with the motors look safer.
But most cities have dozens of funerals each weak, if not several each day. Who gets the escort and who don´t? Surely they don´t escort every funeral? ...that would be a real hazzle for other motorists.
But most cities have dozens of funerals each weak, if not several each day. Who gets the escort and who don´t? Surely they don´t escort every funeral? ...that would be a real hazzle for other motorists.
PTRJason
Member
runesson said:
Honestly, I live in Southern California, and it has been a while since I have seen an escorted funeral. Not all funeral get escorts. It is up to the family. Some people also get cremated, so there is no trip to the cemetery. People may die everyday, but not everyone even has a family that will be there, or the funds to pay for a service. It is sad really. Most of the time, I see just a few cars, with their flashers and headlights on. Not being escorted, and just doing what they need to do.
MESDA6
Member
I've seen some of these services in Phoenix AZ. Some of the worst looking, most unprofessional vehicles I've ever seen. The funniest one was a new, bright red Grand Am with an old faded JetStream and magnetic decals on it.
These services are permitted by law in some states to relieve the PD or Sheriff of funeral duties.
Personally, I think funeral processions are extremely dangerous in modern traffic, and are a very outdated tradition. They are probably fine on a country road, but in a large city, they are nothing more than a danger to everyone on the road. Escorted or not, we all know that drivers are more distracted than ever. The chances of an accident are greater than ever, especially since people tend to look at green lights and just go, without clearing the intersection visually.
As far as the guy with the whistle in that one video - I think his momma bottle fed him. The funny thing was that he had the whistle in his mouth until he got out of the car. Then he took it out.
These services are permitted by law in some states to relieve the PD or Sheriff of funeral duties.
Personally, I think funeral processions are extremely dangerous in modern traffic, and are a very outdated tradition. They are probably fine on a country road, but in a large city, they are nothing more than a danger to everyone on the road. Escorted or not, we all know that drivers are more distracted than ever. The chances of an accident are greater than ever, especially since people tend to look at green lights and just go, without clearing the intersection visually.
As far as the guy with the whistle in that one video - I think his momma bottle fed him.
The funny thing was that he had the whistle in his mouth until he got out of the car. Then he took it out.At my grandfathers funeral they used bike cops which seemed far more efficient than the cars since they can make it through traffic easier. The hearse followed behind the Riders from the VFW post he belonged to. Its a special service you have to pay for to get the police escort. If you don't get the escort everyone has to stop at the traffic lights and then people cut in the procession and get rude. With the escort people don't hop in line because they get a ticket. I wish it was like it used to be and everyone pulled over for a procession and was actually respectful. Although for his we did have people that did just that most of whom were older people though but its still nice to see.
runesson said:
Detroit used to do it if there were more than 30 cars in line. Less than that, no escort. They'd use a combination of Traffic Division cars and motors.
JM6402
Member
BackYardSales said:
And you have knowledge of this how? You have nothing to back any of your statements.
http://elightbars.org/forums/f25/backyardsales-33148/
I get the whole funeral escort thingy, but I'm pretty sure the way these guys were driving, and dressed was illegal.
#1 I never knew that funerals were so dangerous, that you need a gun and cuffs.
#2 There was no excuse for that type of driving, if you need to get to the front, hire more escort vehicles.
#1 I never knew that funerals were so dangerous, that you need a gun and cuffs.
#2 There was no excuse for that type of driving, if you need to get to the front, hire more escort vehicles.
dmathieu
Lifetime VIP Donor
The funeral home (small town, not large cities, no highways) that I work for will use our own 2 low profile LED equipped funeral cars to block intersections, and have local permission to use a portable Opticom to change the lights in our direction. Sometimes, for a large funeral, the local police , (if available), may block key intersections. For the most part, it works out fine, and with no dangerous driving.
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WLTEMS
Member
I work for a funeral home in Southern N.H. We very rarely, if ever have a PD escort - if we do it is more than likely becuase the person who died was either a cop or the PD knew the family. We do go on some long treks, up I-93 through Manchester and Concord with 30 - 50 calls to the Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen with just a hearse and two silver town and country minivans. Each van equipped with corner strobes, dash led and grill lights. The hearse has a headlight flasher and corner strobes, all approved through our local police chief and registered with the state, for strobe permit.
These type of "escorts" to me seem dangerous, I mean christ the person is already dead.....
Just my two cents, from someone on the Funeral Home side.
Regards,
WLTEMS
These type of "escorts" to me seem dangerous, I mean christ the person is already dead.....
Just my two cents, from someone on the Funeral Home side.
Regards,
WLTEMS
Pretty common here for a cruiser to lead and a motorcycle to follow and take the sides. As long as the cars have a purple flag and headlights on they have the right of way. You would think they would use some kind of escort vehicle that had a lightbar on the roof. Those guys are insane with the way they go about it....
Here where I grew up, a couple of funeral homes actually use an escort vehicle (lights going) with a couple of limos going to families homes to pick them up for the funeral. All the while clearing intersections when red would have (dumb) people stop for them. Just to get to the funeral home for the funeral (bad). Also on route to the cementary with 50 plus vehicles they would sometimes not always have a couple of city police cruisers block intersections when requested (good). Just my .02
What a bunch of clowns. I'd love to see what the idiot would do if I went around him while he was blocking the intersection waiting for the procession to catch up.
Down here Leo block intersections and lead all funerals. They dont drive wreckless in between red lights either. These clowns would go straight to jail here.
Luismariadarlene
Member
These guys were driving to recklessly, i was on shift at the FD and we got dispatched for a major 10-50 a while back involving a constable, he was providing escort for a funeral service and ended up in a T-bone accident one passenger in the vehicle he hit was pronounced on scene and the second was in critical condition for a while it was a sad day for the deputy but he was not charged as the vehicle he struck was at fault but speed was a big factor for the injuries.
Constable’s deputy involved in fatal accident during funeral procession | fatal, funeral, involved - News - TheMonitor.com
Deputy constable kills woman in wreck while escorting funeral : News : ValleyCentral.com
Constable’s deputy involved in fatal accident during funeral procession | fatal, funeral, involved - News - TheMonitor.com
Deputy constable kills woman in wreck while escorting funeral : News : ValleyCentral.com
PTRJason
Member
Here is a link to a California, LA Area one that killed one Motor Officer, and injured another Motor Officer as they hit each other in a procession for another officer:
Funeral procession crash kills one police officer, injures another | 89.3 KPCC
Some of the news reports say there were at least 4-5 minor fender benders during the procession, and witnesses say it appeared chaotic and unorganized.
The original procession was for an officer who lost his battle with cancer and was on medical retirement when he passed. He was also see, on the Fox Show "The Academy." LASD Deputy Miley goes to visit him at his house. I forget what season it was.
Funeral procession crash kills one police officer, injures another | 89.3 KPCC
Some of the news reports say there were at least 4-5 minor fender benders during the procession, and witnesses say it appeared chaotic and unorganized.
The original procession was for an officer who lost his battle with cancer and was on medical retirement when he passed. He was also see, on the Fox Show "The Academy." LASD Deputy Miley goes to visit him at his house. I forget what season it was.
julietbravosierra
Member
pardon my french, but how the fuck is this legal? these idiots almost caused so many traffic accidents.... Piss poor professional image. Idk what they hell theyre thinking..... :jawdrop:
There is absolutely no reason for them to be driving that fast during an escort. They're driving recklessly and putting innocent people in danger by blasting through the intersections at such high speeds... very unprofessional.
theolog
Member
I've always had a major problem with funeral escorts across the board.
I don't even think LE should do funeral escorts unless there's some kind of extenuating circumstance (dignitaries, line of duty deaths, huge community outpouring, etc). It's an asinine and now dangerous historical convention that needs to go bye-bye in the modern world.
I worked for a city PD in college that made us do funeral escorts. I drove well under the speed limit, and only turned on my rear lights to put on a show for the people in the line. I'm not illegally entering any intersection and opening myself up to that kind of liability. The use of blue lights by law enforcement in my state is limited to pursuing bad guys and responding to emergencies. Not escorting funeral processions.
I don't even think LE should do funeral escorts unless there's some kind of extenuating circumstance (dignitaries, line of duty deaths, huge community outpouring, etc). It's an asinine and now dangerous historical convention that needs to go bye-bye in the modern world.
I worked for a city PD in college that made us do funeral escorts. I drove well under the speed limit, and only turned on my rear lights to put on a show for the people in the line. I'm not illegally entering any intersection and opening myself up to that kind of liability. The use of blue lights by law enforcement in my state is limited to pursuing bad guys and responding to emergencies. Not escorting funeral processions.
Phillyrube
Member
Having to do these things (and cancelling them), I still can't figure out the rush. The guy's dead, he don't care when he gets to the cemetary.
NFD-102
Member
Wow...the first video was bad...they were driving like tools. You can tell they aren't LEOs. The driver over shot an intersection and then had to back-up...*slaps head*
And the guy from AZ with the oral fixation...is he a cop or someone dressed like one? Why are these looney toons allowed to drive with lights/sirens?
I'd love to see these guys in MD....
And the guy from AZ with the oral fixation...is he a cop or someone dressed like one? Why are these looney toons allowed to drive with lights/sirens?
I'd love to see these guys in MD....
FireEMSPolice
Member
Where are the lights on the hearse or limo?
Where are the magnetic "funeral" flags for the cars in the procession?
TOTALLY not safe!
Where are the magnetic "funeral" flags for the cars in the procession?
TOTALLY not safe!