MOST MOTORISTS HAVE PRACTICED RESPECT FOR FUNERALS

Effective Saturday, it became illegal in Missouri for motorists to disrupt funeral processions by driving between, joining or passing them. The law also placed new safety requirements on vehicles involved in processions.

There always has been confusion concerning what motorists can and cannot do when encountering a funeral procession. Until Saturday, they could do about anything they wanted within the law, of course. Most people stopped when meeting a funeral procession, but that was done out of respect, not because the law required them to do so.

An important fact to remember under the new law is that you no longer can pass a funeral procession unless there is a passing lane. If there is a passing lane, it is permissible to pass.

Most funeral home operators are happy with the new law, but was it really necessary? People generally are cautious around funeral processions, and the majority of motorists stop their vehicles when meeting a procession, particularly across Southeast Missouri.

If the behavior of a few motorists is that much of a problem, it seems funeral home directors might have handled it with some sort of educational effort instead of a new law.