This topic was a puzzler for where to put it, so I settled on this forum. But it's about more than just circuit racing and more about how people communicate and treat each other. On the track, particularly in SCCA mixed class racing, I may have a faster class moving up behind me to make a pass. If it's on a straightaway, that may not be much of a problem, as I'll drive the line on one side of the track and signal with my free hand which side of the track I want the other driver to pass on. That helps the other racer, as he knows I'm expecting him to pass, and allows me to allow the pass in a area that costs me the least lap time. Same occurs when my 350Z is coming up on a slower set of cars and I get a 'point-by' to direct me where the other racer is expecting a pass. Less bent sheet metal and anger through cooperation, with the added benefit of a draft now and then on some tracks!

There are also times the driver ahead may hold up a hand to indicate a yellow flag or accident on the track ahead. Or, if the cars are well-matched in top end, I may try to get another driver to draft with me for a few laps to build a lead on the pack. Whatever the case, it's common courtesy to provide a short wave to the signaling car to let them know you received the signal and either appreciate or understand what they have communicate. During the pandemic, I've tried to communicate in similar fashion with other drivers on the road. When I see someone trying to merge or change lanes, I might flash my lights or use hand signals to let them know it was OK to move over in front of me. It used to be that people would use that same friendly wave to provide some appreciation for the courtesy. And while I'm not sure why, it seems that drivers (of all ages) seem to just ignore the courtesy and accelerate away.

Whether it's on the road or the track, communication denotes courtesy and respect. It can serve to avoid costly accidents and has long been the mark of good veteran racers. It's a shame that people don't seem to use or recognize it much today. And while I have time to give a quick wave after making the pass at 130 MPH, wouldn't you think others could do the same at 30 MPH?

 

Word dat!!

Even before learning “track communications”, I was taught by my driving instructor (my dad), to always be courteous in the road. A simple hand wave to thank someone for allowing a turn or other road courtesy.

Then, once I got in track at driving school (for club licensing), the courtesy “pass on this side” hand signals and such were taught. Fast forward almost 40 years..... still using hands to signal intentions (in my roadster mostly cuz one turn signal is intermittent, haha). But point is, still interested in safety and courtesy.

Today, I find so few people exercising such courtesy. I’ll wave someone to take a turn or other action and maybe 1 in 4 times will I get a courtesy “thanks” wave back.

Road courtesy is a lost art.

Now, get off my lawn!! 😆

 

It seems drivers of all ages--and both men and women--are almost embarrassed to be communicating via smiles, nods or even a simple wave to acknowledge another driver. Not sure where this came from, but I doubt this courtesy is being taught in driver's ed any longer. More often, I'll notice the other driver is using their cellphone (or texting) and is a real threat to being in traffic. Another example of technology having unintended consequences in terms of driving awareness?

 

I think respect and civility in and around vehicles is a thing of the past. In addition to good judgment. People use their cell phones and put on make-up while driving. My personal pet peeve -
I was taught to allow 1 car length for every 10mph, and add another for hazards like darkness or rain. In Atlanta it is commonplace to see people driving 80mph and following at 10-15 feet. It is tempting to give tail-gaters a "1 finger wave" but that doesn't solve anything and I'd rather not make the 6:00 news via road rage victim status.

I do wave folks in to merge in traffic and wave/thumb-up people driving interesting or well maintained cars, I think these gestures improve safety and civility.

 

Thinking about this further, I find that more people on motorcycles "thank" me for a car-to-bike road courtesy. Like moving left to the shoulder line (or over) to allow a lane split pass. Usually get a hand signal thanks. Same in the hills... waving a fast moving cafe bike and pointing out the "pass OK zone" is appreciated. Applies to some enthusiast cars I run across. Some are wanting to travel a little faster than me.... so rather than go W2W on public roads, I'll find a yield zone to allow a pass by one or a group of cars. Better for all.... especially any possibility of entanglement or startling a "non-combatant" (haha, "civilian drivers out on a Sunday drive).

 

Counter point, I don't want your average driver out there waving back. They have hard enough time operating their vehicles as is. I want them with both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, but I'll settle on one hand on the wheel and one eye on the road, as the other one is usually occupied by their cell phones. Don't attempt to wave, nod, or otherwise communicate with me, just try not to crash into me at the next light. That's all I can ask these days.

 

Your expectations are completely reasonable, but you are doomed to be disappointed. The "real" world has a LOT of divers disinterested in anything going on around and just lucky to make it do their destination without wrecking.

 

Agreed Jim. Multi- tasking in a 4000 lb moving object is a bad idea. People think they're safe in cars with air bags and seatbelts. Not true.
I work at a specialty hospital and we only deal with acquired brain injuries and spinal injuries. 40% of our patients are motor vehicle collision.

I think DKs remarks about communicating with others on the road is vital.

 

I've seen students on the track swerve in the direction they are pointing to, and that's in a controlled environment where they are actually focused on driving. Audi Club NA switched to using turn signals for passing just to avoid this from happening after several near misses. Not that that doesn't come with it's own set of problems, many beginners (and not so beginners) use wrong turn signals or forget to turn it off afterwards. I'm still a fan of hand signals cause I'm old and set in my ways, but what I tell my students is until you have some experience under your belt keep your hands on the wheel at all times. This also means don't molest the shift ****, do your shift and release. I've been known to gently caress my students hand if they leave it on the shift **** for too long. That usually gets the point across :P

 

I get the track scenario. I’m talking about a low speed street scenario. How hard is it to raise a hand to say “thanks”? You can’t do that, you shouldn’t be on the road.

But apparently, they still are. Took a drive down the coast to get away for a few days. Covid has apparently made people stupid or all the Sunday drivers are out mid week.

 

According to a story on the local VA news, the last 3 months of reduced commuting was enough for your average driver to forget most of whatever little they knew about driving to begin with. Most drivers have now become Sunday drivers, so yeah, they are out there and they are the rule, not the exception.

 

I agree with the comments about road courtesy and there are some valid points. I will motion/gesture while commuting or use my headlights as a signal for people to merge into my lane, and I always reciprocate whenever someone extends the same courtesy to me - either with a wave or flashing my turn signals. It is very rare to actually receive an acknowledgement from another driver in a private vehicle. However, I almost always receive a "thank you" from commercial vehicles or tractor-trailers. Is it because they have more respect for road safety and driving is what they do for a living? Do the majority of common people have no respect for others on the road?

I think it's just one of those things that is, unfortunately, not very common in today's society. It won't stop me from trying to encourage others from being courteous, though. I try to think of the words best said by the late George Carlin which make me laugh and shrug it off when I run into some jerk on the road:

“Anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac.”

 

My hope is that Z car drivers can either aspire to improve their driving skills, or have the skills necessary to use simple hand gestures and situational awareness on the road. I agree that learning to drive at the track might mean novices need to concentrate on other skills before learning to use hand signals. But as Mic says, a low speed street scenario should be where the majority of drivers can raise a hand and indicate a quick "thanks" when someone cuts them a break in traffic.

I also follow the trucker ethos of showing gratitude by a single flash of their running lights to say "thanks" when someone lets them make a lane change or other driving act. This works when I'm towing across the country in my Titan and 24' enclosed trailer and someone shows me some courtesy. It's a simple act that shouldn't be too distracting, and shows courtesy and awareness to those we share the road with. Showing gratitude may be a disappearing gesture, but that doesn't mean Z car drivers can't continue to practice it.

 

I've tried to convey common courtesy to my kids & hopefully it stuck with them. I don't want to make a generalization, but it seems like some younger drivers are as dismissive on the road as they are in person. When you bestow kindness on the road, they rarely acknowledge it because they don't know what the appropriate response should be.