Why do we thank drivers.

I would expect to be acknowledged for any curteous (sp) act on the road.

I actually think that Cyclists that don't thank me when I have been sat behind them for half a mile are arrogant gits if they don't put a hand up to me.

If I pull over for another car I expect to be thanked.

I thank every road user for doing anything that helps me be on my way. I expect the same back.
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And doesn't it just make life feel nicer when you smile and acknowledge strangers and they give you a big smile back?
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I thank most drivers as most have slowed down and given me sufficient room. If I can make eye contact and give a smile, so much the better - I think it's good PR for us riders!! I am conscious of the fact that many non-horsey people still regard us with horses as rich + priviliged (being high up on a horse rienforces that fact) and that if we can show we are pleasant + ordinary people by thanking other road-users then surely that helps the situation.

of the Having said all that, on Saturday 3 cars went past me in close succession and they must have been going relatively fast because I didn't have time to react and wave to them - so they got no thanks!

As a driver I expect to be thanked by riders when I do pass wide and slow and I can tell you, it winds me up no-end when they don't!!!!

I also thank drivers when I am out running because some do make an effort to indicate and move right over to the other side of the road and as a runner it is nice to know that you can run into the way of traffic and not have to leap into a verge. Must be the same for cyclists.

Have to hand it to the group of cyclists that went past us on Saturday. They shouted that they were behind me so I could let my horse stand on the verge and watch them go by and they all said 'good morning' so not all cyclists are evil!
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Personally I don't feel I am giving the impression that I am grateful because I shouldn't be there. But as riders, we are 'hazards' to other road users (because we need to be negotiated safely) and for this reason I keep banging on about wearing hi viz gear because we must make ourselves easier to see.
 
I thank drivers if they make the effort to slow down or stop - if they accelerate past us other gestures are used!! If my horse is playing up I will nod and smile to at least acknowledge that they have made an effort for me!
 
Precisely, no need to be rude, a smile and a thumbs up may make them think "why?" and may make them smile and slow down next time. It;s cheeky but friendly.
 
I always think that bad manners on their part (for the ones who don't slow down) are no excuse for bad manners on my part. I don't ride anymore because of a bad back however I do lead my grandaughter (4) on her pony. Only this weekend I was talking to other people at the yard and discussing the number of drivers that did not show any consideration for a child on a pony, or any of the horse for that matter. They must be able to see as they drive towards us that Kiah is only little, some of these drivers were of the more mature types, one especially was a grey haired lady in a new Micra, she didn't slow down at all and must have passed us at at least 40 miles an hour.

I did feel sorry for the firemen that slowed right down for us, to a stop actually, and as we passed the air brakes gave off a huge hiss and our pony nearly shot up her own backside, luckily Kiah held tight and we treated it as a funny thing to happen (trying not to frighten Kiah) - the driver looked mortified.

I always acknowledge drivers reduction in speed and Kiah will do the same!!
 
I always thank drivers for slowing down - it's just polite and will hopefully reinforce to them that they have done the right thing and will continue to do so for the next horse and rider they meet. Really makes me cross when I slow down for a rider only to be greeted with a stony face ! grr
 
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