Road Courtesy: Thanking your Fellow Driver for Letting You Pass
By usemyname
@usemyname (640)
Philippines
June 19, 2012 5:16pm CST
Do you always wave your hand when someone lets you pass when you are turning towards a block, in an intersection or a fork, as a sign of courtesy? I always do this just to let the generous driver on the opposite lane know how grateful I am for letting me pass. And, if it happens to me vice versa, I also let a turning driver pass whenever possible. It's just one way of repaying the kindness of other drivers when they let you pass. But, there are times where people could be rude on the road. Like when you let them pass, they'll just ignore you like you did nothing. I know everyone is busy, but thanking is least you could do. Not everyone is the same, I guess. There are those people who knows proper "road manners" and there are roadhogs who doesn't care about anything else but themselves.
2 people like this
7 responses
@PageTurner (2825)
• United States
19 Jun 12
Indeed, I do this very same thing, usemyname. I think if common courtesy to give a friendly wave of appreciation when other drivers show me any kindness on the road.
1 person likes this
@usemyname (640)
• Philippines
19 Jun 12
Well, its not common for some folks. One driver even cursed for letting him pass, now that's the most unusual response I get from someone. Instead of being angry with the driver, I just laugh it out. I mean, what's his problem? You already let him pass, what more could he ask for? LOL
1 person likes this
@PageTurner (2825)
• United States
20 Jun 12
It is unfortunate that people can be so rude.
Where I live, it is not uncommon for people to wave a friendly greeting to every passerby, whether in another automobile, on a motorcycle or bicycle, or walking.
1 person likes this
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
21 Jun 12
Throughout my life, I've always been taught to be a gracious person and for that reason, when someone slows down so that I am able to merge into another lane of traffic, I will always give them a wave of gratitude. There are far too many times that other people on the road are just plain rude and really make it into a challenge so that a person is able to safely get to where they are going that you have to be sure to show that you are thankful for their kindness on the road.
1 person likes this
@usemyname (640)
• Philippines
22 Jun 12
A little road courtesy would never hurt. It could actually improve the mood of drivers around you, resulting to less road rage and less accidents.
It's good to know that you're not one of those unruly drivers I met along the road, dorannmwin!
1 person likes this
@Lauraleigh99 (4718)
• United States
20 Jun 12
I do and many others here do also! We live in a smaller city so people wave while you are driving or walking. It is a nice courtesy. There are a few though that can cut you off, pull in front of you etc... that give you the not so nice wave even though it is THEIR FAULT! lol But every city has to have a few of those.
@usemyname (640)
• Philippines
20 Jun 12
You must be living in a friendly and happy neighborhood, lauraleigh99. Good for you!=) Yes, you have to deal with these "rotten apples" once in a while. But, sometimes they get to your nerves, especially when the traffic is heavy.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
22 Jun 12
Well, in my place there very few people who show courtesy. Some even think that showing such courtesey is below their status. Many are even rude and even end up fighting. However, I try to follow proper rules while driving. Sometimes, I have come across folks who have a better sense and allow someone else to pass through as a sign of courtesy. Such people are very rare today.
@GemmaR (8517)
•
22 Jun 12
I think that having manners on the road is something that is very important, and is something that people should be taught about while they're learning to drive. Whenever I am on a busy road, I will always make sure that I stop to let people pass me, and it annoys me more than anything else when they don't thank me. Sometimes, you can be waiting for quite a long time if there is a long line of traffic, and this means that it is frustrating when they all just drive past without considering thanking you for all of the time that you've stood there and waited for them.
@usemyname (640)
• Philippines
23 Jun 12
I always slow down whenever I see a car coming in or out of a block. As much as possible I try to let that driver pass. It's all about giving way for the good of everyone else on the road. The traffic will be smooth and accidents will be avoided.
Yes, it is really frustrating to see people go and pretend as if you we're not there. A simple wave of appreciation is the least they could do.
@thewonderboy (7501)
• India
22 Jun 12
Most of them have a very busy life so all are riding their vechiles as fast as they are possible. They do not mind about the road safety or the traffic rules they just make sure that they reach their destination on time.
I used to follow all the traffic rules and thank each of them for letting me to go throw the way.
@usemyname (640)
• Philippines
22 Jun 12
What do you mean you used to? 
Did you decide to join the ranks of these "busy people" too?
Did you decide to join the ranks of these "busy people" too?
@maximax8 (31042)
• United Kingdom
7 Jul 12
I always make a habit at waving to say thanks to a driver that gives way to me. I have seen drivers flash their lights to say they are giving way to me. I like to let a driver pass me sometimes too.
I drive along a main road and then signal to go down a road. When it is busy a driver always gives me to me and I am very grateful. Another thing can happen and that is a walker presses the button to cross the road.
I have to follow traffic rules like at roundabouts that are not controlled by traffic lights. The driver on the right has the priority.
