Growing up in Deer Park, Washington, every other car seemed to wave when you’d pass them in your car.
It just seemed like the “neighborly” thing to do, and everybody did it. Especially in the Williams Valley area, that I lived; Pass a car, expect a wave.
As a teen, I thought that it was fairly lame. “In SPO-kane”, nobody waved”, I thought. Still, I’d raise a few fingers off of the steering wheel, and say “hey there”. After I got used to the idea, it wasn’t so bad.
Now that I live in a region of millions, I have to admit that I miss the old “Deer Park Wave”.
Heck, when I let somebody merge into my lane, I expect a little wave. (C’mon, give it to me.) Here in Phoenix, that pretty much never happens.
Currently, I make it a point to wave at other humanz in exactly 2 situations:
- When I merge and somebody has generously let me in, I give the car the “thank you” wave. I can’t help it.
- When I’m driving with co-workers, I randomly wave at people walking down the street, to shock them. (The co-workers and the pedestrians).
I know, it’s kinda dumb. But it IS fun. It’s sort of like a game.
Especially because if you’re walking down the street in 115 degree heat, you’re basically dying with each and every step. These people need to keep their spirits up. You’re helping them survive until they reach some safe, air conditioned location.
So, today I ask you try one of these things:
- Wave at a random pedestrian. (But don’t wave at people who look like they’d like to fight/shoot/stab you. Focus on the tired ones.)
- Wave at a car when they let you merge or let you in. Just a “hey” wave will do.
- Be kind in your car. Drive Good.
- Daniel
LEGAL DISCLOSURE: Steam Crow LLC is not responsible for any bad things that might happen while waving from your vehicle. Keep your eyes on the road. Brake when necessary. Road rage is bad. Avoid bad things.
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I remember when I very first moved from north Idaho to Phoenix and waved at my neighbors as I was driving down my street in Tempe…they seemed suspicious at best. I think one may have called the cops. I was prepared to deal with the new weather and the new overwhelmingly-large population, but I definitely wasn’t prepared for an entirely new waving culture!
I always thank you wave on the freeway and I am completely behind you in your waving/kind driving revolution! The comic is looking great and gets better every day! Thanks so much!
So is Chadworth’s next “wave” going to incorporate all five fingers? I’m guessing not.
Great strip!
Dennis
Ah … the Eastern Washington wave. A pleasent memory of growing up in Wilbur. I just found you blog/comic via a comment on WWDN’s blog. I am the “proud” owner of a two hour commute in South Florida. Luckly, I am able to “avoid” most of the hellways here except of the ocasional work. It is very entertaining to use a “friendly” and watch the reactions.
Keep the entertaining work.
it was the same way growing up in Small midwestern towns. You waved to everyone. I wave to people who let me merge in front of them, I figure it’s the least I can do. I also wave to the poor bastards who have to stand out on front of businesses (or on corners) waving and dancing their little ad signs around.
Sadly, Deer Park and even Williams Valley has far fewer waves than in the days of Mr. Davis. There are too many people from the city folk that “want to live in the country” so purchase 2.5 acres and build a house on the road. City folk don’t seem to understand the importance of the wave.
My friend Adam does the wave too (I do the thank you wave too if I’m feeling happy). But don’t judge him just yet: here’s a funny thing he does when he drives. If he takes a sharp turn or go fast around a curve, he makes the noise of squealing tires. Every time… He is somehow compelled to do it.
I always liked the small town mentality of the ‘drive-by waving’. Keep that up!