In today’s fast paced society, I've observed several older people struggling to multi task at road junctions.

While many of us find it relatively simple to turn into a road, and wave our thanks to the driver who invited into the line of traffic at the same time, some older (or less confident) drivers find it a bit of a hassle.

I came up with this idea today after seeing a sad looking old chap drive up a curb, while trying to thank someone for letting him out. The intense look of concentration on his face reminded my of someone trying to pat their head and rub their stomach at the same time. I guess nobody wants to pull out without thanking someone for fear of invoking road rage, but surely keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road is more important.

My solution is simple. A small button (preferable red, just for effect) could be placed on the steering wheel. If an under confident driver wishes to thank someone for letting them out, they press the button.

Option one: A huge waving hand temporarily inflates on the roof of the car, signalling the drivers gratitude.

Option two: Slightly larger than life thumbs up signs inflate on each corner of the car, signalling said gratitude.

The driver can concentrate on the job in hand without feeling rude, or fearing recrimination. Far from invoking rage, no driver could help but grin as they watch the hands inflate in front of them.
-- Fishrat, May 22 2004

Trafficator Semaphore, as seen on the Austin http://www.austinse...com/indicators.html
[jurist, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]

When I was learning to drive, once, while my whole family were in the car, a tractor pulled over to let me past. I waved to thank him. So did my dad who was co-driving. My mum felt compelled to wave aswell. I think my younger siblings joined in too. I wonder what the tractor driver thought.
-- Thod, May 22 2004


His last ganglion employed by grinning at the inflating hand, the elderly driver runs up on a curb, ironically killing the inventor of the thanking-thumb.
-- ldischler, May 22 2004


You're welcome.
Being in L.A. has it's merits - fastest bird-flipping driver I've ever seen was an old lady. Definitely a local.
-- thumbwax, May 22 2004


Brilliant [Fishrat] I always try to 'let people in' and expect the same - the four corner option for me please!!

PS. You might need a different design for use in Greece. The raised thumb there carries some meaning involving the recipient's parentage, his/her rectum and a goat.
-- ConsulFlaminicus, May 23 2004


In a Greek rush hour, I'd argue that this could still be useful.
-- Fishrat, May 23 2004


BrauBeaton - that type of signal is a semaphore.
-- thumbwax, May 23 2004


Also known as a "Trafficator". (link)
-- jurist, May 24 2004


//You're welcome.// [thumb] It's taken me three days to spot that. I assumed you were responding to a deleted anno. I need some brain oil.
-- Fishrat, May 25 2004



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