When I learned to drive many decades ago in the Pennines & Lake District I was taught to say "Thank you" by holding up a hand when someone had given way for me. I was also taught to give way to those coming uphill even if I had right of way.
I very often give way to others on rural and suburban roads, if it is safe to do so, even if I have right of way - it seems to be common courtesy. However over the past few years the number of drivers who just drive on without raising a hand to acknowledge that I have given way seems to be getting rarer - especially amongs female drivers. Perhaps folks these days are too scared to let go of the wheel for an instant to say thank you - but they could at least smile instead of looking firmly ahead. Methinks that courtesy to other road users needs to be an integral part of the learning process and the driving test. I shall continue to raise my hand to those who give way for me and even break my face into a smile.
Rant over. What think you out there.
At a guess you are in your 50s, 60s. What you describe is exactly my experience too, with drivers less willing to give way and consider each other.
But it isnt just driving is it? For example at the gym in the swimming pool, I often find mother, father and offspring standing in the middle of the bit where you can swim lengths just messing about. Not prepared to move to the side. They have their rights. And when did young people stop standing up to let the old and females sit down on a bus?
