Funeral directors at risk of 'impatient' drivers

Les Shepherd says a driver's car missed their funeral director by "a matter of feet"

A hearse driver says it is "only a matter of time" before a funeral director walking slowly in front of the vehicle is injured by an "impatient" motorist.

Les Shepherd, at RW Mann & Son in Leominster, said the problem was "widespread" across the country, with colleagues elsewhere reporting similar dangers.

"We've had funeral directors pacing out front who have nearly been run over by impatient drivers. Really very close," he said.

"We now have to position our vehicles in such a way to try and protect our funeral directors, and we didn't used to have to do that, but now we do."

Mr Shepherd added: "We have drivers who are impatient and perhaps not as observant as they should be.

"All they see is a vehicle in front of them going very slowly, and everybody seems to be in a massive hurry these days."

The hearse driver said a recent incident saw one car miss a funeral director who was pacing in front of the procession by "a matter of feet" and caused her to "jump to the side".

Asked what his message would be to drivers, Mr Shepherd said: "Please just be patient.

"Give us the few minutes; that's all we'll need to do what we have to do, then we'll be out of your way.

"It could be your mother, your son, or your grandparents that are in front. Would you want that for yourself? I very much doubt it."