As a transplant resident, I am intrigued by Philadelphia’s automotive tradition with regard to funeral processions. Not long after I arrived in this fair city, I was driving down Eleventh Street. As I passed through a four-way stop, I noticed that the approaching car was speeding up not slowing down, so I quickly stopped and watched as this procession of limousines charged through the intersection. I finally was barely able to make out the word “funeral” on a small flag. I have since crossed paths with these processions on a number of occasions. In fact, the other day, I was on campus when I witnessed a procession driving down Montgomery Street. This is a high pedestrian traffic area, but this did not stop the procession from barreling down Montgomery with reckless abandon. When the lead car nearly hit four students, the driver honked and one of the pedestrians yelled at him. Then the

procession continued.

As someone who has lived in New Orleans, I am no stranger to odd funeral traditions. I am told that the hard charging funeral procession is a common occurrence in the city. Is this tradition legal? I certainly have no problem paying deference to a funeral procession. I believe it is proper to do so. However, I do not wish to have my life endangered by one, since I do not wish there to be a premature procession in my honor. I believe this is the heart of the issue. When I first moved to Philadelphia, I marveled at the sheer number of funeral homes, particularly in South Philadelphia. I figure they must form a powerful political lobby in the scope of city government. I am, in fact, suggesting that this lobby group (Big Funeral) holds a great deal of sway when it comes to the city’s ability to regulate the speed of a funeral procession. Why would they do this? Well, dangerous processions lead to more accidents and more funerals. The financial motive is clear. We must stop before it is too late.