It’s time to bring a bit of courtesy back to our roads, so make sure you offer a wave to your fellow drivers on National Thank You Wave Day
We are often struck by stories of anger and frustration on our roads, but what about a bit of positivity? Why not some encouragement to act with courtesy and friendliness on the roads? To that end, today is National Thank You Wave Day.
Conceived by radio personality Luke Bona on his Bonafide Podcast, the concept resonated with his audience, who felt we needed to adopt more of a ‘carrot’ than ‘stick’ mindset on our roads, encouraging drivers to behave more politely to one another.
Research by the NRMA in 2024 noted that 44 per cent of drivers in NSW and the ACT experienced some form of road rage in a single year. This figure rose to 62 per cent of young drivers aged 25-to-34.
The NRMA research notes that the simple lack of acknowledgement when giving way is a significant source of frustration from drivers, and that giving a friendly wave is the primary de-escalation tactic recommended by the motoring group.
The ‘thank you wave’ has long been considered a required action by drivers who either push in front of, or are let in front of, other traffic on busy roads. Further, a ‘finger lift’ from the steering wheel as two vehicles approach is a recognised and popular acknowledgement of other drivers in regional areas or on narrow suburban streets.
In dark conditions or for vehicles with no rear window, like vans and trucks (and the Polestar 4), a simple double-flash of your hazard lights has become recognised internationally as an appropriate ‘thank you’ signal.
Bona’s consideration of the date, May 8 (Mate), aligns with this spirit of friendliness and mateship on Australian roads, with the campaign backed by Rod Hannifey, past president of the National Road Freighters Association (NRFA).
"I'd like to think most truckies are already out there doing this every day, as it's a massive part of our driving culture,” said Hannifey. “But at the end of the day, we all share the exact same stretch of tarmac, which means we all need to share the responsibility."
Simply offer a friendly wave to acknowledge other drivers, particularly if they are courteous by letting you into traffic.
Give a quick double-flash of your hazard lights to again acknowledge other drivers behind you on the road as a friendly thank you.
With over 20 years of experience in digital publishing, James Ward has worked within the automotive landscape since 2007 and brings experience from the publishing, manufacturer and lifestyle side of the industry together to spearhead Drive's multi-media content direction.
