Local Father Offers Definitive Guide to When It’s Appropriate to Wave At Someone While Driving

Area dad Mark Thompson, 47, sat down with reporters Tuesday to clarify the complex social etiquette of waving from a moving vehicle, a topic he described as “tragically misunderstood” by younger drivers.

“People just don’t know anymore,” Thompson said, both hands resting authoritatively on his steering wheel while parked in his driveway. “There’s a right time and a right way. Mostly, the right time is always.”

According to Thompson, waving is appropriate in the following situations:

• When you accidentally cut someone off:
  “A quick, friendly wave lets them know you’re not a monster, just momentarily distracted by the podcast. It’s basically the traffic equivalent of ‘my bad.’”
• When you see someone you recognize:
  “Coworker, neighbor, guy from church, your kid’s former soccer coach—doesn’t matter. Hand goes up. They might not see you, but that’s on them.”
• When you see a stranger driving the same make and model of car or truck:
  “There’s a natural brotherhood there. Same silver Tacoma? You wave. Same faded blue CR-V with the roof rack? You wave. It’s like a secret society, except the password is just ‘hey.’”
• When you see someone walking her dog:
  “Doesn’t even have to be a nice dog. Golden retriever, mutt, that one yappy little thing—wave. They’re out there living their best life. Acknowledge it.”
• When you see a mom or dad walking with a stroller:
  “Especially important. Future generation right there. You wave so the kid grows up knowing this is a friendly neighborhood where people care.”

When asked if there are any circumstances in which one should not wave, Thompson appeared genuinely puzzled.

“I mean… if it’s nighttime and you can’t see them? But even then, I usually give a little courtesy flash of the high beams and a low-key wave. You never know.”

Thompson added that he also waves at school buses, delivery drivers, people checking their mail, and anyone who makes eye contact at a stop sign.

“If they’re on the road or near the road,” he explained, “they’re part of the driving community. Simple as that.”

Local residents report that Thompson’s comprehensive waving policy has led to several awkward exchanges, including a memorable incident in which he waved so enthusiastically at a stranger in an identical minivan that he briefly drifted into the oncoming lane.

Still, Thompson remains undeterred.

“Some people act like you’re weird for waving,” he said, shaking his head. “Me? I just think the world could use more connection at 35 miles per hour.”

At press time, Thompson was last seen giving a solemn two-finger salute to a man walking his labradoodle near the intersection of Maple and Elm.

About Author