Let’s be honest, traffic in Toronto is a nightmare. No matter how you commute, there is no escaping the perils of crazy motorists, construction, and unruly cyclists and pedestrians. I don’t know about you, but travelling in this city accounts for at least 25% of my overall stress level. The streets become more chaotic each day. I find it necessary to plead to my fellow Torontonians to try and collectively reduce the number of TSD (Traffic-Stress Disorder) cases in this city.
It’s quite simple, really. It involves minimal effort and we do it in our daily lives all the time. It’s just one hand and has only a few simple meanings.
The Pre-emptive “Please” Wave
This pretty much only occurs in heavy traffic situations, which means almost for all of us on any given day. Please realize…we’re all in the same annoying situation together. The pre-emptive wave is the best and most polite way to maneuver your way to your destination. It’s hard to say no to someone who is acknowledging they need your assistance. Traffic is all about flow…cutting in with no regard can result in the finger and ruins the flow.
The Side “Thank-You” Wave
This wave is generally reserved for the streets of central Toronto and other tight areas in the city. Often one of us is forced to wait while the other bolts down the road. Some of these streets are not short … so this should always be accompanied with a side wave as you pass the other person (who is usually at a dead stop). Failure to do so could result in the finger and a future disposition to be more aggressive. Smokers, you have no excuse, as you’re practically 90% of the way there.
The Rear View “Thank-You” Wave (Minor)
This is generally the most common of the waves, but that doesn’t mean we should underestimate it. This wave usually occurs when we let each other change lanes in regular traffic settings. Sometimes the allowance is debateable….in these cases don’t take it too personally if you don’t get the hand. Still, it’s good practice that even if the gesture may not have been necessary to change lanes, throw up that paw and thank the person.
The Rear View “I’m Really Sorry” Wave (Major)
We’ve all done it, and we’ve all had it happen to us. The infamous “cut-off” so many drivers love to perform everyday. This is a tipping point for many drivers and potentially a bad situation. If you are the culprit, and you don’t put up your hand (and silently mouth “I’m so sorry,” when they burn by you), then quite frankly you probably deserve the finger. If you do this to me, and I get the sorry wave from you, it’s funny how quickly my annoyance subsides. Just an honest mistake and you owned up to it. Ah, I feel much better now!
I urge you, fellow Toronto drivers, to start throwing up the hand more. It goes a long way, at least for this motorist. One more thing. As important as it is to give the hand, it’s just as important to receive the hand. If someone is respectful, let them in. There have been many horror stories on the roads that probably could have been avoided with a simple hand wave. But more importantly, it’s just the right thing to do.