FUNERAL PROCESSION ACCIDENTS BECOMING MORE COMMON
Carol Struebing, an elderly woman from Elk Grove Village, was killed last week in a car accident when the car in which she was a passenger collided with a truck that was in a funeral procession. According to experts, funeral procession accidents are becoming more common.
Funeral procession laws vary from state to state and among communities. In Illinois, the lead vehicle in the funeral procession must obey stop signs and traffic singals, but the rest of the caravan can proceed without stopping and has the right of way as long as all vehicles keep on their headlights. Last week's accident occurred when the truck in the procession went through a red light, as allowed under Illinois law, and collided with the car Ms. Struebing was traveling in. Police are investigating whether the truck had its lights on as required by state law.
Funeral directors are in agreement that it is difficult to safely lead a funeral procession because many people are unaware of the rules of funeral processions or are simply not paying attention.
This needless tragedy could have been prevented. Please be aware of funeral processions when you are driving and remember to give the procession the right-of-way.
If you have been involved in an automobile accident, please contact us.
