Funeral Procession Crash on Rt. 53 Leaves 3 Injured

A speeding driver caused a multi-vehicle crash on Rt. 53 in Joliet yesterday. The driver, who was traveling north, lost control of the vehicle and swerved into oncoming traffic, hitting four cars. A hearse, which was leading a funeral procession, swerved to avoid the crash and ended up hitting another car. Three drivers sustained injuries; one driver sustained critical injuries. All three drivers were taken to local area hospitals.

Who gets right-of-way in Illinois funeral processions?

There are laws governing who gets right-of-way when a funeral procession is going by. Under Illinois law, the lead car – almost always a hearse, though that is not necessarily designated by law – must have obey all traffic laws regarding stop signs and traffic lights. However, once the lead car starts moving, everyone in the procession may follow suit. Therefore, if the lead car makes a left-hand turn on a green light, all the following cars may make the left-hand turn even if the light turns yellow or red in the middle of the procession.

There are specific exceptions to this rule:

1. Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right-of-way upon the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle giving an audible or visible signal;
2. Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right-of-way when directed to do so by a traffic officer.

All cars in the procession must turn on their hazard lights (“four-ways”) and headlights.

Can another driver cut through a funeral procession?

You can only “cut through” a funeral procession if you are in an emergency vehicle, or if you have been directed to cut through by a traffic officer, other law enforcement officer or, in some cases, a funeral director. Otherwise, you can be ticketed.

Can you pass a funeral procession on the road?

Yes, you can a funeral procession on the left. What you cannot do, however, is pass a procession and then cut through the procession to make a turn farther up the road or pass a procession on the right.

Can you join a funeral procession if you’re not going to the funeral?

No, you cannot. This does not mean you cannot follow a procession; sometimes it is unavoidable. But you cannot turn on your headlights and hazards and driver through red lights like a car in the processional. Doing so can lead to a ticket.

Do you have to pull over when a funeral procession goes by?

No, though some people do out of tradition. And in truth, you really shouldn’t; it can be very dangerous to pull over for a funeral procession, especially if you are on a busy highway or interstate. You can put yourself at risk of a car accident trying to merge.

All of us at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers hope that everyone who was injured in the multi-car crash yesterday makes a full recovery. If you have been hurt in a car accident anywhere in or near Chicago, our injury lawyers may be able to help. Please call 312-600-9585 or contact us today to schedule a free consultation.