Rod Hannifey, an Australian interstate truck driver and road safety campaigner, has recently started a similar campaign in New South Wales. It is in fact titled “Wave to a Truckie.” This project’s goal is to bring back the good neighborly tradition of waving to other drivers, a practice that has nearly disappeared over the decades. Hannifey, with the support of fellow truck drivers such as Pete Kelly, is sure that this simple deed helps raise awareness and safety on the roads. Recent observations indicate that the tradition is fading, especially on highways, where drivers seem increasingly rushed.
During one recent “wave test drive” from Mildura to the South Australian border, drivers returned the wave in only 33 out of 374 encounters. That jarring outcome shows just how far a once-taken-for-granted practice has fallen. Though the country drivers are still doing the wave, a very different sight greets us when we enter urban areas. In 2024, Hannifey plans to have a National Wave Day, inviting everyone to reach out and reconnect with this simple gesture.
A Tradition in Decline
Truck driver Pete Kelly—40 years of experience behind the wheel. Over the last few months, he’s observed a decline in the number of car drivers waving back. He remarked, “People seem to be in too much of a rush, without having any courtesy.” Reflecting on his early days as a truck driver, he stated, “Back in the day, when I first started, it was there all the time… you always acknowledged the other driver.”
It turns out the fading of the wave isn’t just my own perception. The positive responses by many drivers to relaxing car-only infrastructure have proved them wrong. Hannifey acknowledged, “[It] seems noticeable that it has dropped off.” Stiff movement Fellow truck driver Russell White corroborates this observation. He envisions restoring the wave as part of a broader, much-needed cultural shift on our roads. “If we can bring back the wave,” he said, “it could change the overall culture on the road, just one driver, one road user at a time.”
In stark contrast to the dangerous decline that grew across our highways, a different story is told on our back roads. The other half of that test drive, 8 out of 12 cars returned a wave on rural roads. That could mean that urban drivers have lost connection with this tradition, but that it’s still widely cherished in rural communities.
The Importance of Connection
The campaign is working to bring back this wonderful practice. Fortunately, countless community members are doing a terrific job of driving home its key role in fostering positive relationships between drivers. Paul Dean points out that “country people are still country people. Everyone waves to everyone.” Additionally, Meredith Rowney mentions that familiarity plays a role: “If you’re in a small country town where you know people, you are more likely to wave than in the bigger centres where you don’t know people.”
Tourist Brad also shared his perspective: “If I see a white ute, nine times out of 10 that’s going to be a local farmer… so I definitely try and wave.” Answering the last criticism, he added that his son is already teaching him new ways to engage with this friendly gesture. That generational transition uncovers an incredible energy, though. While some Americans might have forgotten that wave, many are vigorously fighting to make sure it doesn’t die.
A Call for Revival
Hannifey’s idea for a National Wave Day would be a low-cost, localized way to draw attention to the history and value of this simple, friendly gesture. He hopes that rebuilding the bridges between road users will help people to understand their road safety impact. Russell White supports this sentiment, stating, “I think anything that could re-establish a connection is probably a really good tool to improve the overall level of road safety awareness.”
The “Wave to a Truckie” campaign serves as a reminder that small gestures can have a significant impact on road culture. That is why more drivers are signing up for the cause. So, here’s hoping the friendly wave becomes typical again in the Land Down Under.
