Arizona, Is Sick and Tired of THIS Annoying Driving Habit

I'm getting nostalgic for The Good Old Days™. Okay, this isn't really a registered trademark, but now that I have your attention, let's talk about the growing trend I've noticed while I drive around Arizona.

That Friendly Arizona Wave

Let me back up a bit. When I moved here decades ago, I was amused and delighted by how friendly everyone was. It wasn't uncommon to see someone driving down one of our little roads and as we approached, we'd see them lift a hand or a couple of fingers from the steering wheel and give a slight wave as we passed.

Keep Reading: Why Do Arizona Drivers Back into Parking Spots?

The first few times it happened, I asked my husband if he knew the driver who waved at us. "Nope," he told me, "people are just friendly here."

I liked that! Little friendly gestures between complete strangers and, quite possibly, future friends. What a fun and effective form of road communication.

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A Trend Starts to End in Arizona

As more people have moved into Arizona in the last few years, I've started to notice the culture has changed slightly.

This is especially obvious on the highways. While I still see the little "hello" wave on our town's smaller, more rural side roads, it happens less often than it once did. Unless you're letting another driver know they have the right of way, those waves almost never happen on bigger roads.

Over the last three years, another form of roadway communication has started to fall away. Unlike the cute little waves of yesteryear, this missing skill could have some dangerous consequences if it continues.

READ: Arizona Ranked #1 for Worst Drivers in the Nation

That Little Lever Mounted on the Left Side of Your Steering Column

It seems that drivers have forgotten how to use their turn signals. Or maybe their blinker fluid has gotten critically low. I honestly don't know how all these new-fangled vehicles work. Whatever it is, that simple piece of road communication seems to be a thing of the past, and I'm confused as to why this is.

If the traffic is heavy and you want to enter my lane, signal! I'll let you in! If you're turning on the road and I'm coming your way, indicate that you're turning into traffic, and I'll move over to the left lane and give you space to get onto the road.

My psychic skills are seriously lacking these days. Feel free to communicate with your turn signals, and I'm happy to help you out. I might even wave to let you know I've seen you. Just please, don't make turn signals an ancient custom!