where has politeness gone?

Question

drive on the motorway with boyfriend. He flashes his lights to let a driver know they can go into the space in front from their lane. Not many people flash indicators back to say thanks. My question is: if a driver does you the kindness of letting you move safely - at least thank them. Politness costs nothing. Just needed to say that (doesn't apply to truck and lorry drivers - they always say thanks).

Answer 1

You are asking the wrong crowd on here

Answer 2

I've honestly seen a resurgence in road politeness here in Texas, and let me say that is remarkable because we have a lot of gun toting bubbas here. But i do see drivers stay back to allow other drivers to enter a busy road . I see drivers give the " go ahead " signal when someone is trying to change lanes . Is this Southern politeness. Maybe, but I don't think so. It's just a more mature softening of driver etiquette... at least, I'd like to think so.

Answer 3

I couldn't agree with you more Terry.
You are right about truck drivers....they always say thanks and are the first to stop to allow a person to cross a road in a place where there are no crossing lights, while many car drivers just ignore the people waiting to cross and drive on by.

And, despite what that other person said here, the flashing lights are a known way of saying thank you.

Another thing that annoys me is when one gives way to allow someone to turn, or enter onto a roadway, and they don't even raise a finger to say thanks.

Answer 4

i mechanic for a living,,and it still exist with some people ,most drivers now days have so many things on their mind they forget to be polite,,and some are just plain rude,,they think that having a license means they own a part of the road,,but there are still some polite people out there,,very few though,, i try and be,but with so many people driving these days its hard sometimes to be polite when someone cuts you off ,or just stops dead in front of you for no reason,,but there are a few polite drivers left,,good luck hope this help,s.

Answer 5

Technically according to the highway code flashing one's lights means "give way while I proceed", so really your boyfriend is doing the opposite of the highway code.
If I give way or let a car out from a side road or whatever I do not look for or expect thanks. A good deed is its own reward.

Answer 6

I do that, i do that !

When it is dark at night, when someone stops behind a parked car, to let me through, I flick my lights down to park and then back up to headlights; rather that blind them with my main beam like everyone else does - I like to think it is a bit like winking !

During the day I reciprocate with a nice wave & a smile when someone stops to let me through.

Smile and people will always smile back !

x x lol

Answer 7

women are the biggest offenders of bad manners on the road !!time and time again i have stopped to let them out of a side road but you never get a thank you but guys will always and especially HGV drivers kings of the road

Answer 8

Maybe politeness went up the motorway, found a 10-mile tailback & uttered a few expletives (swear words). I'm a pedestrian, but if a driver stops for me to cross the road, I ALWAYS say thanks.

Answer 9

All entirely is on Mr. Hugh Grant

Answer 10

I think that 99.9% on here are those kind of people who would bother saying "thanks"... You won't get many nice answers here! I on the other hand would have thanked you and your boyfriend... I'm part of that small percent :)

Answer 11

the world unfortunately is in a upward spiral of jealousy and pigheadedness. its a product of american`i want everything and to be the best` capatilism.