Etiquette v The Highway Code

This always makes me smile as I had a very kind and thoughtful friend who used to say 'ok, don't thank me then' when a driver didn't acknowledge her act of kindness. When I asked her if that's why she made the gesture she would just growl. Salt of the earthy she was otherwise.. Happy days.......

I am often impressed at the manners and good common sense shown by drivers in this country.

Lucca

In a Range Rover……

?

I give a little wave to drivers who wait for me when I'm driving the car. I also thank those who stop to allow me cross a zebra crossing when I'm walking and those who wait until it's safe to pass me when I'm cycling.
Just a little acknowledgement - there's so much aggressive 'me first' driving that I'm truly grateful for good manners.

Germanshepherdsmum

Lucca

In a Range Rover……

?

Sorry but I live in a town with so many yummy mummies swanning around in unnecessary four wheel drives often parked badly etc…..

Interestingly, just this evening, I allowed a police car in front of me and the driver waved in thanks. So much for the 'law'. Have to say, I liked it.

At least out here in the sticks we can justify something that will act as a snow plough Lucca. Definitely not a fashion statement here! But I know just what you mean.

It's just making brief friendly contact with another human being... so necessary nowdays

What’s not to like - doesn’t cost you anything and much appreciated by other road users ?

Good manners cost nothing. Always say or acknowledge thanks.

I put a hand up in thanks, I NEVER flash my lights other drivers blind me at night and as someone said above it is now illegal

I always do, it’s a relief sometimes that people have stopped when it’s not their right of way!

Redhead56

It is a polite British way to be however your hands should be on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road. Safety before pleasantly waving to another motorist.

You can raise your hand from the top of the steering wheel.

Nothing wrong with polite acknowledgment of another’s efforts.

I like these little driving waves and nods and do it a lot. It's friendly and makes me feel part of something, somehow.

Lots of single track roads here and really annoying when people speed along and then expect others to move out of the way for them, particularly noticeable with women drivers at school run times. Very few of them show any thanks.
On the plus side I have recently noticed that male drivers tend to see an elderly female driver (ie me) and immediately reverse rather than expect me to back up - very grateful I look so old and probably incapable!!!

No! It's a real bugbear of mine. Like you say, it doesn't happen at traffic lights. Nor roundabouts.

Buttonjugs

Redhead56

It is a polite British way to be however your hands should be on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road. Safety before pleasantly waving to another motorist.

You can raise your hand from the top of the steering wheel.

Also you take your hand off to use indicator so you can easily raise it for a moment to acknowledge…

I always smile or raise my hand. It doesn't hurt to be courteous.

I always raise my hand to thank but never flash my lights. Flashing lights can mean many things including giving someone right of way.

I don't drive, but I do a similar thing when a driver stops at a crossing, to let me cross - to my mind, the simple acknowledgement helps them feel less irritated at having to stop.

I do it on my pushbike, too - and I'm often tempted when I'm a passenger in a car.

I believe this courtesy comes from the beginning of the advent of motor vehicles on our roads. My father who learned to drive in the early 1920's told me when I was learning to drive in the 1960's that it started when there were cars which moved at walking pace and horse drawn vehicles had the right of way. The acknowledgement of the giving way courtesy died out as cars got quicker and horse drawn vehicles were not in use so much. It is not taught but it is purely courtesy nowadays.

Mazda Mx 5 drivers have a tradition of waving st each other!

Beetle drivers used to as well.

Not an answer to this but a grumble about use/nonuse if indicators!!
Twice recently whilst waiting to exit from a side road, approaching vehicle was indicating that they were turning into my road. I had just started to draw forward when said vehicles continued straight across.my path and didn't turn as indicated. Luckily I braked quickly enough to avoid a collision. Also vehicles who, without indicating, suddenly take a turning left or right immediately in front of my car - as I don't drive closely behind a vehicle in front, no problem, but still annoying!