to genuinely not understand why drivers don't always say thanks when you let them out?

[LeftMyRidingCropInTheMortuary]

I mean, especially when you've had to make an actual effort to let them out, eg slow down and maybe you've clearly flashed them to let them know you're letting them go, all to make THEIR life easier. But they don't stick a hand up or do a wink with their lights just to say thanks.

WHY? Are they lazy? Don't care? Too busy concentrating on traffic?
It puzzles me!!

Thanks!

(And yes, I've started a thread about cyclists getting on my tits too, having a Road Rage Day).

[mmmuffins]

Um, how would we know why specific individuals haven't thanked you?

[SheHasAWildHeart]

99% of the time I do but if it's a tight corner I prefer to keep both hands on the steering wheel. Also I was taught to never just my lights for anything other than they are intended, eg don't use the to flash at someone to go etc.

[FungusTheBogeymam]

I always put it down to them being such nervous drivers that they daren't remove their hands from the wheel.

It's probably rubbish, but it makes me feel superior and that always makes me feel better

[spatchcock]

Maybe they included you in their evening prayers instead?

[RealityCheque]

They are ungrateful, entitled knobs.

You do not need to remove your hands from the wheel - you can simply raise your fingers while holding the wheel. Hell, even a smile and a nod of the head will suffice.

No excuses.

[wowfudge]

There are times when other road users do stupid and dangerous things such as letting someone out of a side road they want to turn into, when cars behind them who can pass can't see what they are up to. Very dangerous and unnecessary.

Flashing your lights is to signal your presence, nothing more.

[chamerion]

I live on a side road that joins a main road on a hill.

I'm sick to death of this. The main road users who want to turn right into my road, flash me to come out, when I'm turning right. It probably makes the turn easier for them.

But what they don't seem to notice is the stream of traffic carrying on down the hill behind them. I can't turn, because there's still traffic.

Just make your turn and I'll make mine when it's possible!

[chamerion]

Ha, just read your response, wowfudge. My situation exactly.

[HighwayDragon]

But if they've stopped the traffic behind them you can turn downnthe hill providing nothing is coming up the hill towars you?

OP sometimes I just forget, sorry.

[chamerion]

No, there are two lanes at that point. One for turning and one for carrying on.

[Collaborate]

I prefer other cars not to stop to let me out. It's always safer to wait for your own natural gap. I get annoyed when someone slows down when there's no one behind them. FGS just hurry up and get past me(!).

The traffic would flow much more smoothly if everyone exercises their own right of way.

Maybe they realise that you're pissing off the driver behind you and feel embarrassed.

[VulcanWoman]

It's the same with holding the door open for someone, if you get a thank you it's a bonus, not to be expected though, best not to do good deeds if you're expecting something in return. You've done the right thing, they haven't, so their problem, don't make it yours.

[Jdee41]

Rob Newman had a great bit about the 'in-car wave' back in the day:

"Thanks for letting me out of this two-inch gap in heavy traffic. I'm now going to take it, looking at you, with one hand on the wheel."

[FuckingLiability]

I'll always flash people out if it's safe to do so. It's a minor driving courtesy and I'm always grateful when someone does the same for me.