FUNERAL directors say the lack of respect shown by Orange drivers who cut in behind a hearse or the line of mourners is a growing cause of frustration and adds distress to grieving families.
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Last week in Orange a hearse and funeral cortege was leaving a funeral home when a P-plate driver overtook on the left-hand side of the mourners’ cars and almost hit the funeral director who, in keeping with tradition, was walking alongside the hearse.
However, that’s just one of many incidents that has upset grieving families, according to Deidre Penhall of Norman J Penhall Funerals.
Mrs Penhall said the lack of respect as a funeral passed by was a growing issue.
“What if the funeral was for their [disrespectful drivers] mother or father, I am sure they wouldn’t like it,” she said.
Mrs Penhall said when she and her husband Norm began in the funeral industry in the 1960s vehicles would pull over and people would stop as a mark of respect.
“Of course that’s not possible now as we are a busy city, but everyone seems to be in a rush, and people just don’t want to take the time to let a funeral pass and cut in,” she said.
Craig Ostini of Penhall Funerals said funeral processions negotiating roundabouts was problematic.
“People are always looking to their right and then just go, not realising there could be a funeral coming from the left,” he said.
John McDonell of Orange Funerals said drivers who continually cut in to funeral processions showed a lack of compassion and respect, and he appealed to drivers to do the right thing.
“I understand we are a busy city and having to negotiate roundabouts changes the situation, but it really irks me when drivers cut in behind the hearse or the first couple of cars,” he said.
“Usually it would be appropriate for at least the first dozen cars to be allowed through and then it is acceptable.”
Mr McDonell said many people paused as the traffic thinned out closer to the crematorium or cemetery.
“If they are mowing the lawn they will stop, or take their hats off, but that is very different to when you are leaving the church or the funeral home because some drivers simply don’t care,” he said.
Mr Ostini commended Canobolas Rural Technology High School students for the respect they show as funerals pass the school virtually every day.
“The students always stop what they are doing, they stop talking and take off their hats - it is very nice to see,” he said.
Roads and Maritime Services legislation states "when driving you must not negligently or willfully interfere with, or interrupt, the free passage along the road of any funeral cortege or authorised process. You must not interfere with any vehicle or person apparently forming part of the funeral."
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au
