So when did we stop showing our appreciation to other drivers when they let us into a line of waiting traffic? I cannot count the amount of times I have stopped to let some car go in front of me – when I do not have to – and they do not wave acknowledgement. This rudeness is gross! How hard is it to smile and wave a “thank-you”?
This article appears in Jun 5-11, 2008.
There are no such things as Common Courtesy or Common Sense any more. What you have to do here is add ‘un’ to those two phrases. unCommon Courtesy & unCommon SenseToday’s New Way
Erin, Everytime someone goes out of their way to help me out when I’m on the road, I make SURE to make eye contact and give a little wave of appriciation!If someone doesnt do the same, I usually yell to my self “Yeah, YOUR WELCOME!!” and I feel better 🙂 But To be honest, most people do say thanks 🙂
Actually, this is one of the most courteous provinces I’ve driven in.I learned to drive in Calgary, where drivers are VERY impatient,and if you don’t merge properly, you’ll get cut off from getting onto ahighway.This is the only province where drivers “take turns” when traffic isbusy. Any of my family that has visited has commented on it, butas I’ve lived here almost 15 years now, I just take that for granted.I agree with CaTLaDY.. Most DO appreciate being given a breakand let in, but there are driver that expect to be given the right ofway… they are the ones who think they own the road I think.. LOLBest just to say “YOU’RE WELCOME!!” to those who don’t appreciate the gesture… No point getting upset over someone else’signorance..
Although courtesy is nice, I’d rather everyone just know and follow the rules of the road. Some people around here think that being nice is part of the rules of the road. But then there are those who are just total asshole drivers……if only we could find a happy medium.
Local drivers misplaced “courtesy” probably is th eprime cause of traffic tieups and accidents in this city. The idiotic practice of taking turns or one on one despite the presence of a yield sign could potentially be lethal to someone who isn’t familiar with the tribal culture.Letting people into lines causes the end of the line to never move and rewards shortcutters who use side streets to jump the line. Your taxes helped pay for that road, so use it, don’t give up your place! .
Right, but what about the people who are trying to make a left out of the Tim Hortons on Portland Street, and its damn near impossible? Or the Exit off the Highway into Highfield.. Making a left there is almost impossible as well? (woo hoo, set of lights being installed as we speak at this intersection) Those are the people I’ll try to help…On the other hand, Someone who coasts by everyone in the left lane, then expects a way in at the last minute to take an exit.. Fuck that… Get in line like the rest of us.. I’ll go outta my way to keep them from getting in 🙂 And it frustrates the HELL outta me when people let them in…
Nobody should stop to allow some tool trying to make a left turn during heavy traffic. They need to make a right (or keep going straight if that is the situation) to get out of where they are and then find a place where they can turn around safely. It would probably be quicker than waiting forever for some lamebrain “courteous” driver to come along anyway and the only person it inconveniences is the person wanting to make the turn anyway, and not the dozens of other drivers who are otherwise forced to stop thanks to Mr. Courteous.
The only people I’d be holding up, when I try and let someone make a left, are those people who are on their way to a RED light… The only inconvieniece, is having to stop a couple hundred feet sooner…….There are two lanes of traffic, Im not gonna stop when there is a green light, cause the odds are, the person in the other lane wont stop anyways.. understandably… And Keith… Its Ms. Courteous to you! 😉