Driving in LA – Part 2: A Thank You Would Be Nice

Here’s how it works in most parts of North America …

You’re on the highway and someone wants to move over into your lane in front of you. You create a little space, let the person make their move, they give you a little wave to say thank you, and you feel joy.

You’re on a street driving along in the right hand lane. Up ahead you see someone wanting to enter your lane from a parking lot or a side street. You slow down and give them a hand signal as if to say, “Please move your vehicle into traffic and continue on your journey”. They make their way into traffic, give you a little wave or perhaps even say thank you out their window and everyone feels good.

Not here in LA.

I am amazed how few people acknowledge being ‘let in’ or given a break, almost as if it is their right to change lanes or move into traffic. Would it kill people to say thank you? I mean you don’t even have to say it, just wave in an effort to show some appreciation.

Yesterday I spent some time on the highways and some major streets in Los Angeles. By my count I let a total of 8 people in throughout the day and received zero ‘thank yous’. By the end of my trip I was yelling in my car at people when I let them in and got nothing in return. Childish perhaps but it got to me after a while for some reason.

I don’t think people like myself want others to kiss our butt but there is no reason not to say thank you for something so simple.