Phoenix Metro traffic Funeral Escort Manual

The only published funeral escort manual in the state!

When the company started in 1994, the detective in charge of issuing permits for funeral escorts demanded the applicant to provide a number of documents, including proof of experience and training in traffic control and emergency vehicle operations along with a detailed curriculum for the training of the team they would hire for escorting processions.

In fact the permits would not be issued to individuals but to company owners, serious enough to put in place a training syllabus that would cover a number of techniques needed to safely perform funeral escorts.

Over the years, these techniques have proven themselves the surest way to minimize risk and ensure a smooth experience for both the funeral coach driver and the family following it. As one could guess though, there had to be a number of techniques that needed to be added to the curriculum since the Valley of the Sun has changed drastically over the past 30 years.

Think about it! What if a dust storm suddenly occurs? What if a group of bicyclists is riding on the route taken to the cemetery? What if a self driving car is in the intersection? What if?...

Believe it or not, in thirty years of existence, you would think you would have seen everything! Well, think again! A couple weeks ago one of our processions was cut off by trains 3 times!!!

So, although we are very proud to have published our training manual, we are already working on a revised edition!

And dear funeral directors and funeral home managers, feel free to ask us to show you our manual. We would also love to come to your office and have a short presentation on the logic behind our escort techniques. Some of them are counterintuitive but, once explained, make total sense when the whole process is placed under the optic of "Safety First!"

What to look for when selecting those who are going to perform your escort?

In Arizona, if a family wants to accompany a loved one to the final resting place, the law requires that the procession be escorted by a permitted escort. It makes it safer for all involved including the general public.

Here are a few tips on what to look for when selecting an escort company:

1- How long they have been in business?

2- What kind of experience do they have?

3- What is their appearance, from the vehicles and the equipment to the uniforms?

4- Do they have commercial liability insurance that covers escorting funeral processions?

Why are these questions important? Your safety depends on the answer.

Escorting a funeral procession is a very delicate and technical job. Only experienced and trained escort drivers will be able to handle directing traffic, guiding the procession, negotiate turns, master all the emergency equipment needed for the job and be able to multitask to manage it all at once while addressing all the unforeseen events that will occur during an escort.

You can review a small sample of our training here.

As for the tools needed for the job, the siren and the lighting package, safety requires the proper tools. Fully marked vehicles with 360 degrees visibility (a roof mounted light bar and lights at all corners, on the dash and at the rear) and a 100 Watts (minimum) siren. The vehicle needs to look the part to make sure motorists understand that a funeral procession is underway and therefore that they need to yield the right of way.

Radio communications with the lead vehicle of the procession will also be key in smooth and safe operations.

However the greatest equipment means nothing if the escort driver is not experienced, trained and mentally and physically prepared for the task.

Insurance?

For your peace of mind, your escort company has to be properly insured in case of a mishap so you are not held responsible. Make sure they carry commercial fleet insurance and liability insurance covering funeral escorts. Phoenix Metro Traffic will provide a COI upon request by the funeral director.

Honoring our Vietnam War service personnel

Escorting the Vietnam War Wall replica and the Wreaths Across America Trailer

On March 24th we had the privilege to escort the replica of the Vietnam War Wall, carrying the names of all the Arizona fallen soldiers during that conflict.

Also in that memorial detail was the very impressive education trailer for Wreaths Across America, a non-profit dedicated in placing a wreath on the graves of every fallen soldier.

We united with Apache Junction Police Department in a parade throughout the city, one of the known Purple Heart Cities in Arizona.

See a short video caught by the AJPD drone

On March 25th Mountain View Cemetery hosted the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Veterans Coming home with a very moving pinning ceremony.

The event was featured on Fox News.

See the article in Superstition Living Magazine, May 2023 p. 21

Since 1994

Phoenix Metro traffic Funeral Escort Manual

The only published funeral escort manual in the state!

What to look for when selecting those who are going to perform your escort?

Honoring our Vietnam War service personnel

Escorting the Vietnam War Wall replica and the Wreaths Across America Trailer

Some escorts are more emotional than others