Page 31 - October 2020 proof - The Castle Pines Connection

Dear Mrs. Abramovitz, Should I pull over for a funeral procession? – LB
Part of the funeral often includes solemnly carrying the loved one from memorial site to burial site and certain customs are invoked.
“Always” is a word that is usually used as an illustrative purpose
and “usually” understood to be hyperbole and not literal. In this case, I’ll use it twice, always, always pull over for a funeral procession. Not only is it polite,
in some states it is the law. It is a sign of respect for the deceased and also shows respect for the survivors who are laying their loved one or friend to rest. While it may be confusing, it all boils down to good manners. If you see a line of cars following a hearse, simply pull over. It makes it safer for everyone on the road and it’s the way we show our respect.
Many drivers are unaware of the laws and customs surrounding funeral processions. The biggest area of confusion appears to be at intersections. Once the lead vehicle proceeds through the intersection, all the cars behind may follow without stopping, even if the light turns red in the midst of the procession.
In Colorado there are no state laws governing funeral processions, but the Denver Revised Municipal Code provides that vehicles and escorts in a funeral procession have the right of way and may proceed regardless of traf c signals. These vehicles must be properly identi ed by lighted headlamps and drivers must follow the vehicle in front of them as close as is practical for safe operation.
If the procession has to take the highway, it may very well do so at a lower rate of speed, and by nature the highway is high speed and some drivers are unable to stop. Remain respectful, don’t speed along ahead of the procession and de nitely don’t cut off any members of the procession to take your exit. Take the next one.
Do we yield to a funeral procession? From a legal standpoint it depends on the laws of the state, from a traditional standpoint the answer is yes, absolutely yes. Pulling over is the simple and respectful thing to do.
The Next Chapter
2021 Medicare open enrollment and review
By Patte Smith
The 2021 Open Enrollment period for Medicare runs from Thursday, October 15 to Monday, December 7. During this time, individuals who qualify for Medicare can enroll in health and drug plans for 2021. For individuals already enrolled in Medicare, it is very important to review current coverage.
Individuals who qualify in 2021, and those already enrolled in Medicare coverage, should have already received the new Medicare & You handbook. It has information about Medicare coverage, as well as Medicare plans. If you have not received the 2021 handbook, it is available online at https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10050-Medicare-and-You.pdf.
If you are already enrolled, be sure to review your current coverage. Plans change and needs change. Carefully review any materials and changes in costs or coverage that will happen in 2021, then decide if your current Medicare coverage will meet your needs for the year ahead.
Members who already have a Medicare account number or those who need to create an account, visit https://www.mymedicare.gov/ or to create or access a list of your drugs, compare your current plan to others, and see prices based on any help you get with drug costs.
October 2020