Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Road courtesy

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.

I'm in exact agreement.

Good manners cost nothing but are a good investment.

Two fun observations we have of the 'appropriate hand signal by way of appreciation'.....in Ireland last year driving the full extent of the West and South coasts we noticed the 'appropriate signal' was an ever so slight lifting of the finger off the steering wheel as in a sort of flick upwards, you could miss it if one wasn't watching for it, which we were after the first few days, but appreciation it was. Whereas the year before we were driving the length of the Outer Hebrides and with some of the narrow roads up in that part of the world there was a lot of giving way to be done, it's a full on arm salute, so friendly you thought they were inviting you home for dinner. But at least in both places giving way was always acknowledged, locally,in the hectic South now that's another story sometimes.

So shall I, every time.

As an amusing aside, you will know from watching the innumerable Russian driving videos that road courtesy does not seem to exist in that country (I have been there; it's true). One day at the end of a long drive here in the UK with a Russian friend - and with me waving acknowledgements to other drivers where appropriate - the friend remarked "Steve, you seem to know an awful lot of people...!".

+1

+2

Young women are the worst, too..

I couldn't agree more. We have just returned from a great day out at Blakeney on the N. Norfolk coast and, as is my want, I always go to and return via small country lanes which involves a lot of forward observation and pre empting danger.
I must have pulled over at least a dozen times and not once did anyone in their Tonka Toys say thank you.
About half way home I realised that, of course, it was school pick up time, say no more !!!!!

There seems to be a common place tradition? for drivers around the Gloucestershire countryside to give way and to wave when others do so for you.. i noticed it particularly around my home area of the Forest of Dean, its rather quaint and i like it.

That said, i sometimes find that oncoming drivers ignore the etiquette and just plough straight on when in fact i have right of way. When it happens i can tell you its always a young driver that obviously feels they know better. Its the 'modern I mindset' and instead of smiling it makes me feel like giving the offending idiot a good slap!

There is an even darker side to driving in the area however, lack of any policing or controls, young drivers regularly go out doing their own thing and get themselves or innocent others killed. Happens every week on the Forest roads.Very sad.

Absolute must, always thank other's courtesy with a smile and a wave.

We've had a couple of encounters in North Devon this week. Especially a woman with a face like a slapped Arse who couldn't reverse.
Not easy squeezing through gaps knowing you're five inches wider at the rear!