Waving at Strangers From the Car
Driving through the South, don’t be surprised if strangers give you a nod, a smile, or the famous “steering wheel wave.” This casual lift of the fingers, sometimes just a subtle flick of two or three, is an unspoken code of friendliness. Whether you’re on a rural dirt road or a neighborhood street, this gesture is expected, not optional. Outsiders might wonder, “Do I know them?” The answer is no, and it doesn’t matter. The wave isn’t about familiarity, it’s about community. Not returning the gesture can label you as standoffish or, worse, rude. In Southern driving etiquette, a little wave goes a long way.
