Just Give Me a Courtesy Wave, Please 🚗👋

Why One Small Gesture Can Make a Big Difference on Our Roads

OPINION

With road rage on the rise and patience behind the wheel seemingly on the decline, driving can feel more like a battle than a means of getting from A to B. Whether it's tailgating, refusing to let others merge, or just good old-fashioned horn-happy aggression, today's roads can feel like anything but welcoming.

But what if there was a simple way to make driving more pleasant for everyone?

Enter: the courtesy wave.

You know the one — that quick hand raise or subtle nod to thank another driver who let you merge, paused for you in a tight spot, or simply followed the rules of the road. It takes less than a second, but it can completely shift the tone of someone’s drive — and maybe even their day.

A Gesture That Goes a Long Way

Think about it. A driver lets you into their lane during peak-hour chaos. Ten others didn’t. You make eye contact (or don’t) and flash a friendly wave. In that moment, you’ve created a mini pocket of kindness in what’s often a frustrating space.

Or maybe you’re the one who slipped up — you missed that give-way sign or accidentally cut someone off. A sheepish wave can instantly diffuse tension and show you acknowledge the mistake. In some cases, that one gesture might even prevent a confrontation or road rage incident.

Why Aren’t We Waving Anymore?

If you feel like the courtesy wave is going extinct, you’re not alone. There’s even a whole Reddit thread where drivers vent about its disappearance.

Maybe people are too distracted. Maybe they're tired. Maybe some simply weren’t taught it as part of driver etiquette. But whatever the reason, it’s a shame — because the benefits are big, and the effort is tiny.

Courtesy Is Contagious

Science and psychology back it up: kindness breeds kindness. When someone waves at you or smiles, you’re more likely to pass it on — whether to another driver, a pedestrian, or just someone you interact with later in the day. It starts a ripple effect.

On the road, that ripple can mean safer driving, calmer traffic, and even a reduction in stress-related incidents.

Let’s Bring It Back

The next time someone shows you a bit of grace on the road, take a moment. Lift your hand. Give the nod. Smile.

It costs nothing. But it could be just the reminder someone needs that driving doesn’t have to feel like war. It can be shared, it can be courteous, and — dare we say it — it can even be kind.

Because a courtesy wave isn’t just good manners. It’s good driving.

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Credit: CarSales.com.au