Imagine this: you're driving through Canberra, and you spot a funeral procession. What do you do? For many, the answer isn't as clear—or respectful—as it should be. Naithan Matthews, a hearse driver with William Cole Funerals, knows this all too well. Every time he navigates Canberra's bustling roads, he braces for the inevitable: drivers cutting in, rushing past, or simply ignoring the solemnity of the moment. But here's where it gets controversial: while the Australian Road Rules clearly state that drivers must not interfere with a funeral procession, the ACT doesn't have specific laws to enforce this—leaving room for confusion and, often, disrespect.
For Naithan, the challenge isn’t just maneuvering an eight-meter hearse through traffic; it’s keeping grieving families together while battling the impatience of other drivers. And this is the part most people miss: many motorists simply don’t realize they’re breaking the rules. “The rules are there,” Naithan explains, “but because the handbook is so dusty, hardly anyone’s ever seen it.”
In NSW, interfering with a funeral cortege is a specific offense, but the ACT hasn’t adopted such clear-cut language. Still, the expectation of respectful behavior remains. Naithan recalls his father-in-law, William “Bill” Cole, founder of William Cole Funerals, describing his first hearse drive as nerve-wracking. “I kept thinking, ‘I better not go too fast,’” Bill says. The general rule? Stay at least 10km under the speed limit and keep the procession together.
For motorists, the guidance is simple: let the entire procession pass through intersections once the hearse has entered, avoid cutting in, and show patience. Meanwhile, drivers in the cortege are advised to use low-beam headlights, stay in formation, and comply with traffic signals—even if it means stopping at a red light. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Should funeral processions have automatic right of way, like they do in the US? Naithan thinks so. “It’d certainly be better if everybody stopped and gave way,” he says.
William Cole Funerals operates four hearses—a Ford Falcon, a Chrysler 300C, and two Mercedes-Benzes. The latest addition, a Mercedes E-Class, is a favorite. “The Mercs are definitely a class vehicle and easier to drive,” Naithan notes, though he admits he still has a soft spot for the Chrysler.
Despite the occasional inconsiderate driver, Naithan finds his job deeply rewarding. “You’d be hard-pressed to find a job that’s more fulfilling,” he says. “Helping families in their darkest moments is humbling, even if it means holding back tears yourself.” Bill Cole ensures his staff have a support network, encouraging them to step back if a service becomes too emotional. “We’ve got each other’s backs,” he says.
So, the next time you see a funeral procession, ask yourself: Are you part of the problem—or the solution? Should the ACT adopt stricter rules to protect these solemn journeys? Let’s discuss in the comments.
For more information, visit William Cole Funerals.
