Not saying thank you to courteous motorists

[MillisleBlue]

Far too many big bulky vehicles being "piloted" by permanently stressed anxious people. Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front has also unfortunately died a death.

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

If I'm on a side road to a mainish road, traffic's heavy, and the guy (or woman) sees that I'm having real trouble getting out, and they give way to me, I give a big sign of thanks. The more so in that in this aggressive country they may well get some fucker behind them who gives them grief with their horn.
The other thing I do, which absolutely no-one seems to do except me, is when I'm at a zebra crossing, and the driver stops and lets me go over, I at the very least make eye contact and give them a nod of thanks (often mouthing the word too). I do that whether I'm in Britain or in France (or in any other country, for that matter). It seems like ordinary courtesy, and rewards them for having respected the law.
One thing I do notice is that when I have my granddaughter with me and I'm taking her to school (or back from school), people always, without fail, stop for you. With one important exception, and it's becoming a serious problem: people looking at their bloody mobile phones while they've got one hand on the wheel.

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

I haven't owned or driven a car for 21 years now, but when I'm out and about walking or running, I always acknowledge drivers who stop for me when I'm crossing the road or using a zebra crossing.
Saying that, there seems to be a lot drivers about now who don't seem to understand the concept of zebra crossings!

Much, much better in the UK than in France, believe me!

 

[staffsblue]

Much, much better in the UK than in France, believe me!

I've noticed that in most places in continental Europe to be honest. Brussels was particularly bad I seem to recall!

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

I've noticed that in most places in continental Europe to be honest. Brussels was particularly bad I seem to recall!

The Belgians are morons on the roads. It is possibly worse than France, and that's saying something (I live right next to the Belgian border, and my son was seconded there for three years). It does not help that Belgian roads are absolutely jampacked at all times, as far as I can see. It's a small country, with a lot of people, and they all have cars.

 

[Paladin]

I honestly reckon some people are such shit drivers that if they didn't dedicate 100% of their attention to driving, they'd crash. You can't expect them to check their mirrors, turn their steering wheel, indicate, control their clutch and say thanks to you.

Fully agree with this. This group is easily identifiable by their flashing indicators and purple rinses. But for all other categories of motorists that fall outside of this group and still fail to acknowledge your kind gesture, they are very rude.

FWIW, I always give way to taxis and delivery drivers, because these are people earning a living. Also buses, because they are bigger than me and I don't like to cause delays to lots of passengers.

I always acknowledge kindness, no matter who displays it, or the circumstances. I'm probably the only person who tips McDonald's workers.

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

Last time I drove in the UK was in Scotland — Edinburgh, and the trek up to Ullapool — in a rented car. Nae bother there… People generally respectful.

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

I always acknowledge kindness, no matter who displays it, or the circumstances. I'm probably the only person who tips McDonald's workers.

!! You are a saint, my man.

 

[N1985]

It's always women and bus drivers who never let on. Face like fucking thunder on them.

I'd rather just let people go. Far easier

 

[Elbow beards]

I bet they let the most people out or across them in traffic.

I drive a white van and let everyone out cos I'm in no hurry to get to work.