To the rude drivers: If someone goes out of their way to be nice on the road, wave thanks (Austin: eat, cars)

[orbius]

With the amount of traffic on the roads in Austin, theres always an opportunity to drive friendly or to drive greedily. I can easily be a jerk, as many people are here, and not let you merge, not make a little space for you.
However I usually do. The annoying thing is that maybe 1 out of 20 drivers when you go a little out of your way to give them some space will acknowledge your kindness with a little wave.
This is a bad habit Austin has gotten itself into. I always give a little wave to people who do some small driving courtesy for me.
What is it about Austin that seems to make this the exception instead of the norm.
Really not waving feeds this ugly driving culture that is growing in the area. Where people cut each other off, drive too close to their bumper, and people go out of their way not to let even 1 car merge into their lane.

[love roses]

One of my peeves too. I always give a sign of acknowledgement with a wave.

[Jennibc]

Could it be that sometimes people don't notice that you've done them a favor? I will wave if someone has done so, but I imagine there are times I haven't realized someone was letting me in.

[HappyTexan]

Outside of Austin, the custom still applies. It is nice to see that "wave" in their rear view mirror.
"Drive friendly" doesn't apply to Austin anymore

I'd say the "me first" driving mentality started about 5 years ago and has gotten worse over the years.

[orbius]

Originally Posted by Jennibc

Could it be that sometimes people don't notice that you've done them a favor? I will wave if someone has done so, but I imagine there are times I haven't realized someone was letting me in.

Its ok dont worry about it, I'm sure when someone goes out of their way for you, you wave.

As far as the subject in general you know I'm not a demanding person I dont expect red carpets be rolled out and trumpets sound when I do something nice. However when I go way out of my way to do something nice for another driver. When they pull in front of me a little acknowledgement would be nice.

[timfountain]

Originally Posted by Jennibc

Could it be that sometimes people don't notice that you've done them a favor? I will wave if someone has done so, but I imagine there are times I haven't realized someone was letting me in.

And the main reason for someone not realizing you did them a favor.... Yakking on the cell, eating a buger, slurping on a soda, smoking a cigarette and changing the channel on the radio. Frequently all at the same time.
Seriously the main reason is that they are blindly engaged in doing something other than paying attention to the road

[HappyTexan]

orbius..I'll betcha a lot of the "new" residents here in Austin don't even realize that it is a custom.
Similar to the "we don't beep horns here in Austin" and they look at you strange..whatta mean you don't beep your horn ?

[orbius]

Originally Posted by HappyTexan

orbius..I'll betcha a lot of the "new" residents here in Austin don't even realize that it is a custom.
Similar to the "we don't beep horns here in Austin" and they look at you strange..whatta mean you don't beep your horn ?

Yeah the country Texans go so out of their way to get over for you on the shoulder of two lane roads in Texas. Anyone on earth would feel downright guilty if they didnt wave thanks to these good folk.

[HappyTexan]

Originally Posted by orbius

Yeah the country Texans go so out of their way to get over for you on the shoulder of two lane roads in Texas. Anyone on earth would feel downright guilty if they didnt wave thanks to these good folk.

LOL..a Texas standoff..4 cars at a 4 way stop..no one wants to be the first to go. I've actually been in one and laughed my head off..it really does happen.

True about those country roads..I completely get off the road when I see a tractor coming my way and they always wave their thanks. The steering on those babies is not exactly rack and pinion ya know

[oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots]

Originally Posted by HappyTexan

orbius..I'll betcha a lot of the "new" residents here in Austin don't even realize that it is a custom.
Similar to the "we don't beep horns here in Austin" and they look at you strange..whatta mean you don't beep your horn ?

Being a courteous driver is not an Austin exclusive. It happens everywhere. It isn't a "custom", it's being a driver that is aware of what is going on around oneself.

I admit...I used to give the one finger salute but I don't do that any longer. (but I would only do that to people that were complete azzholes, and of course I determined who was and who wasn't)

I'm a good driver, and I'm courteous...really, believe me...I'm tellin the truth.

It isn't an "austin" thing. I've been in those stand-offs in other states.