COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio lawmakers are looking to crack down on drivers who put others at risk by darting through funeral processions. The Senate is considering legislation that would double fines for motorists who interfere with these solemn events, which witnesses believe is long overdue.
The issue came into focus during a November session of the Ohio Senate Transportation Committee, where lawmakers discussed ways to make funeral processions safer for grieving families, funeral escorts and other nearby motorists.
Sponsored by Senators Hearcel Craig and Steve Wilson, Senate Bill 97 is geared toward drivers who cut between cars in a funeral procession, ignore escorts who are stopping traffic, or attempt to beat the line through intersections — minor misdemeanors under Ohio law…