Is the courtesy wave necessary?

We’ve all been there. Spending what seems like hours battling stop-start traffic, only for someone to cut you off and squeeze their way into the non-existent gap in front of you, only miss giving you ‘the wave’.

Giving way to fellow road users and not being shown an ounce of appreciation can really grind your gears (pun intended). Showing appreciation to your fellow road users with a courtesy or thank-you wave is the sort of roadside behaviour we should all practice.

In which circumstances should I use a courtesy wave?

The courtesy wave can be used in a variety of situations such as:

• Between cyclists, pedestrians, or drivers to show gratitude for courteous behaviour,
• When merging and another driver makes space for you,
• When driving on narrow roads and allowing oncoming traffic to pass,
• When apologising to other drivers other drivers for incidents such as accidentally cutting someone off or other self-inflicted mistakes.

Is the courtesy wave still important?

The courtesy wave might feel like a small, old-school gesture, but it still has real value on today’s roads. NRMA research in 2024 showed 44 per cent of drivers have experienced road rage in the past 12 months, with 94 per cent witnessing aggressive behaviour of some kind. Tailgating, horn use, hand gestures and deliberate cutting in remain common sights. 

With almost one in four drivers admitting to road rage themselves, tensions behind the wheel are clearly still high. In that environment, simple acts of acknowledgement like a thank-you wave can help take the edge off everyday interactions and reinforce a bit of mutual respect. 

A courtesy wave can go a long way

  Although the courtesy wave isn’t a legal requirement, utilising it can positively affect the tone of driving and improve the general mood of fellow motorists and road users. A simple courtesy wave can diffuse a potentially tense situation on the road. When drivers acknowledge each other's actions, it can reduce frustration and anger that often leads to road rage. 

So consider bringing back the wave if it's fallen out of practice, and use it when appropriate. It’s a small gesture that can help shift the tone on our roads and improve the driving experience for everyone. 

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