'Stop cutting up hearses' - Manchester undertaker calls for more respect from motorists
A Manchester-based undertakers has called on motorists to show more respect for funeral courteges.
Staff at Middleton’s Funeral Services, based in Rochdale Road, Middleton, said it was ‘heartbreakingly true’ that they are having to deal with near-misses and impatience on a regular basis.
Taking to Facebook, staff implored the public to do better. They said: “Just lately we are having more and more drivers on the roads being impatient and trying to push in on the funeral cortège’s in between the hearse and the limousines with bereaved family members in, and even on funerals with our horses too. This is happening to the point where accidents have nearly been caused because someone just wants to cut in or to cut through.
“I appreciate we drive slower, but this is someone’s final journey, and this is done out of respect. Whether this makes you 30 seconds, one minute or two minutes late for where you need to be, think about that person who has passed and the families that are following. A final journey is so precious.”
They also asked people to revive an old tradition of people pausing when a hearse passes, and perhaps removing headwear and bowing their head. They said: “It would mean the world to families in a time of sadness. Please if you see a hearse at a junction please stop and allow some of the following cars to also exit the junction. On most cases this is the family behind following the hearse. It only makes your Journey slightly longer but means the world to families in sure different times. Thank you.”
The post has been liked more than 1,000 times, with people agreeing with the undertaker. One person said: “So many small traditions being lost. Totally agree with your post and everytime I see a hearse I pause and bow my head just for a few seconds as it passes and would never ever dream of overtaking or cutting in. Just a small bit of respect and common decency required. Unfortunately on this planet this is becoming more and more scarce.”
Another said: “When I have been unfortunate enough to be in the limo of a funeral procession, the bit I always say that caught me off guard is when strangers stop and bow their heads. Its a powerful thing for the family to see other paying respect to the person you love.”