If you're a motorist in Ireland you've probably been in the situation.
You wonder what the hold up is on the road ahead, only to realise it's a hearse and a group of funeral goers.
Suddenly you're having the inner conflict: 'can I pass this group or is it disrespectful?'
Well it turns out, you're not alone.
Studies have previously shown that some Irish people simply aren't sure what to do if they encountered a funeral procession.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Transport told the Irish Mirror: "The rules of the road are applicable to all road users and would apply here. i.e. the overtaking of a hearse is permitted as long as it is safe to do so and within the rules of the road."
Hearses usually travel at around 35kmph, a speed that has potential to create long queues.
While drivers are often wary of appearing disrespectful to overtake a procession, they also don't usually want to feel like they're intruding in the group by driving directly behind it.
A hearse will typically lead the funeral procession, which can sometimes be followed by several cars carrying immediate family and close friends. Other guests may also travel behind.
Firstly, why do funeral corteges drive so slow?
According to Matthew Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc, the slow speed is in place for two reasons.
Firstly, it emulates the slow, sombre march of traditional funeral processions.
Secondly, it prevents other drivers on the road from separating the group.
The procession drives closely together in order to prevent other vehicles from interrupting the procession.
So, if you find yourself meeting a hearse on the road, what should you do?
Whatever your decision, it's incredibly important to ensure that you are respectful of the procession.
Don't attempt to quickly pull out ahead of them, and don't cut into the middle of the convoy - it's not something you want to disrupt.
Moving to a different lane is deemed the easiest way to respectfully let the group pass.
Pulling over and waiting for the procession to pass by is an enormous sign of respect but only if it is safe to do so.
Processions don't legally have any special right of way when it comes to roundabouts or traffic lights, only being given minor exceptions if they come under garda control.
A spokeswoman for the Irish Association of Funeral Directors told the Irish Mirror that they weren't aware of any specific laws for funeral professions and that the normal rules of the road applied.
According to Dignity Funerals, drivers should follow these tips:
- Give way to the hearse and funeral cars
- Don’t cut into a funeral procession
- Avoid listening to loud music
- Don’t beep your horn
- Only overtake a procession on a dual carriageway
