Imagine being in the midst of one of life’s most solemn moments, only to have it disrupted by impatient drivers cutting through your funeral procession. This is the harsh reality for hearse driver Naithan Matthews, who has a crucial message for Canberra motorists. As the son-in-law of William Cole Funerals founder Bill Cole, Matthews knows all too well the challenges of navigating busy roads while keeping grieving families together. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the Australian Road Rules clearly state that drivers must not interfere with funeral processions, many motorists in the ACT seem oblivious to this—or simply don’t care.
Matthews explains, ‘People always try to get in front or push in. They’re so focused on saving a few seconds that they forget the profound impact their actions can have on families in mourning.’ The ACT’s road rules don’t explicitly address funeral processions, but the broader Australian Road Rules—which underpin ACT law—prohibit disrupting them. This means cutting through a cortege or forcing your way into the line can still result in penalties. In contrast, NSW takes it a step further with a specific offence for interfering with a funeral procession. So, why hasn’t the ACT followed suit? And is it time for a change?
Matthews believes many drivers simply aren’t aware of the rules. ‘The rules exist, but they’re buried in a handbook that hardly anyone reads,’ he notes. Even for seasoned professionals like Bill Cole, the stress of leading a procession is palpable. ‘You’re constantly thinking, ‘I can’t go too fast,’ and trying to stay at least 10km under the speed limit,’ Cole shares. In Melbourne, processions traditionally travel at 40km/h, but in Canberra, that’s impractical—especially on highways like the Parkway.
For motorists, the general guidance is clear: allow the entire procession to pass through intersections once the hearse has entered, avoid cutting into the line, and exercise patience. Meanwhile, drivers in the cortege are advised to use low-beam headlights, stay in close formation, and comply with traffic signals. But here’s the part most people miss: while some drivers do show respect by stopping and waiting, it’s not universal. Matthews wishes Canberra’s rules mirrored those in the U.S., where funeral processions have the right of way, and everyone stops to let them pass. ‘It would make a world of difference,’ 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 sourced from Tenterfield, NSW, is a favorite. ‘The Mercs are definitely easier to drive, with a better turning circle than the Chrysler,’ Matthews explains. ‘But there’s something special about driving any of them.’ Maintenance is handled locally, with Lennock Motors servicing the Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz Canberra taking care of the rest.
Despite the occasional inconsiderate driver, Matthews wouldn’t trade his job for anything. ‘It’s 100% rewarding. Helping families during their most vulnerable moments is something you can’t put a price on,’ he reflects. ‘Sometimes, it’s hard not to get emotional, especially when you know the deceased. But you’re there to do a job, and that’s what keeps you going.’ Bill Cole ensures his staff have a support network, emphasizing that it’s okay to step back if the emotional toll becomes too much. ‘We’ve got each other’s backs,’ he says.
But here’s the question: Should the ACT adopt stricter rules to protect funeral processions, or is it up to individual drivers to show more empathy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. And if you’d like to learn more about William Cole Funerals, visit their website at https://www.williamcolefunerals.com.au/.
