Among a variety of less meaningful things, like ‘if the wind changes you’ll stay like that’, ‘manners cost nothing’ is something that my parents constantly told me as a child, and it’s something that I have passed on to my son. However, despite being free, manners are evidently not a trait that’s being freely used by all – and that’s why it’s this week’s Tarmac Tantrum.
I live in the ‘burbs and as such regularly drive along narrow streets that when cars are parked either side, require cars to give way – someone has to yield. Now my general rule of thumb is ‘first come first served’ (unless it would cause added congestion or on a steep hill) and if I am the non-yielder, a raise of the hand, or a nod of appreciation (or flash at night) by me to the driver that waits seems a simple sign of courtesy or good manners. Which is why I get peeved when I don’t get the same when I’m the yielder.
We live in a period where I believe time is precious, a comment supported by many people’s need to be ‘on call/on social media’ all the time, and therefore I appreciate it when someone wastes a little of theirs to let me proceed ahead of them, a wave is the least I can do. Conversely, when I pull over and waste my valuable moments, only to be ignored by the oncoming driver, well that is certain to make my blood boil!!
But my manners rant doesn’t stop there. Also, zebra crossings. According to NZTA, ‘a driver approaching a pedestrian crossing must give way to pedestrians on the pedestrian crossing or obviously waiting to cross it and who are not behind a school patrol sign. Drivers are required to give way to pedestrians on both sides of all zebra crossings unless the crossing is divided by a raised traffic island (Road User Rule, 10.1)’. So yes this gives the pedestrian the power, but I as the driver have seen you and taken time out of my life to allow you to cross in front of me, the last you can do is a simple wave of thanks!
A wave, nod or a smile are trivial interactions between us humans and yet go a long way to make life just that little bit better – good manners cost nothing. Thanks for listening (nods and smiles in acknowledgement)
3 Responses
Couldn’t agree more! It’s an extremely simple yet meaningful thing to do.
I agree entirely…Out here in the rural Waikato I raise a finger to anyone I come across.. much to my wife’s annoyance… who usually says”who’s that?”.. to which I reply, “I don’t know.” She then gives me that “you’re weird” look. At zebra crossings I always expect to stop and let pedestrians cross, but I must admit I have to laugh at the young adults.. usually with the arse of their trousers down behind their knees and their brand of undies on show, who swagger across at a snail’s pace as if they are on a catwalk in Milan. I suppose I shouldn’t laugh as they might be practicing for a new career other than the one at the WINZ office !
Haha, thanks Mark, it’s so strange that a simple wave appears so hard to do for way too many. As for your catwalk models, I guess that would make my day (in laughter)