ENSURING YOUR FUNERAL CAR DELIVERS A PEACEFUL SEND-OFF
A grieving family deserves peaceful last moments with their deceased loved one. That’s why funeral services need to go as smoothly as possible—from the wake to the procession.
Those funeral car drivers will be working hard behind the scenes to ensure that the procession runs well. It’s all part of ensuring the deceased receives a respectful send-off.
Funerals may be simple send-offs or extravagant farewells, but almost all of them will include a glass-sided hearse to transport the casket and flower tributes.
Driving a funeral car is a high-profile job that must be done correctly. So if you’re considering donating your driving talents, below are recommendations to do it right.
Talk about the Family’s Wishes
All funeral preparation revolves around the deceased’s family, and it’s vital that you honour their preferences. They can also tell you whether their loved one had any specific funeral wishes since people are increasingly preferring a more personal touch.
Others simply want a respectful service that follows their own customs. That’s why having a thorough awareness of various ethnic and religious funeral customs and traditions is a good idea.
Be Aware of the Day’s Schedule
You’ll need to know the times and locations so you can make a schedule and ensure that everyone in the family is on the same page.
There could be numerous locations involved, such as the homes of the family members you’re transporting, the location of the service, the crematorium or burial site, and the location or wake venue.
If the cortege is made up of numerous funeral cars, you’ll need to plan schedules and meeting locations with the other drivers.
Make a Route Plan
You’ll want to map out the best paths between the various sites, and the path that the hearse will take must be known by all drivers. Remember that you’re looking for a route that will be hassle-free and possibly picturesque, not necessarily the quickest or most navigation friendly.
Get Your Vehicle Ready
Make sure your funeral car is in good working condition. During routine maintenance inspections, keep an eye on tyres, wipes, screen wash, water, oil, and brake fluid.
Keep your car always smelling fresh and spotless, both inside and out. Check that the upholstery is in good shape and that people can readily reach their seatbelts.
Make sure it has basic safety items like a first-aid kit and fire extinguishers. Also, make sure you’re covered with appropriate commercial insurance.
Carefully Load the Hearse
Whether you’re driving the hearse or a family automobile, you should assist in loading and securing the coffin. Take note that traditional coffins are brought and laid feet first.
You’ll also need to double-check that the flowers have arrived and that any floral tributes on and around the casket have been properly placed. It’s possible that the family left specific instructions for which wreaths go where.
Find Out How to Drive a Cortege
The hearse driver is in charge of leading the procession. If you’re driving a family car, you must maintain a safe distance from the hearse without giving enough room for a non-funeral vehicle to nip in.
Because they aren’t recognised as part of the parade, this could be difficult for any people carriers or unique vehicles. You must still check your mirrors while following the hearse’s lead. When travelling in a convoy, it’s surprisingly simple to overlook this.
Conduct Proper Behaviour in the Chapel
The hearse will come to a complete halt directly outside the chapel or other places of worship or venue, allowing the doors to open. Family cars will come to a halt a short distance away.
After you’ve assisted the family members out of your vehicle, you should focus on the casket. Unless the deceased’s family or friends have specific requests, drivers frequently double as pallbearers.
Conclusion
Mourners are frequently distressed and prone to being distracted. So before you say farewell, keep an eye out for flowers, glasses, and luggage and return them to your passengers. This saves you the trouble of making an extra journey and relieves them of additional concern on a stressful day.
If you’re looking for funeral directors in Farnborough who can make your funeral services more meaningful, you can rely on Holmes Funerals.
We offer funeral services in many areas, including Fleet, Sandhurst, Camberley, Farnborough, Aldershot, Staines, Ashford, and Sunbury-on-Thames. Contact us today to find out more about our services.
