KUALA LUMPUR: A commonly used practice by a road user to show his or her appreciation is by waving of the hand. However, it has perhaps gradually simplified over time to a push of the hazard button.
It sure is much easier than winding down the window, then sticking a hand out, all while trying to keep an eye on the road.
In a recent Tik Tok video which has been gaining a lot of attention sees a Perodua Myvi driver giving way to a Proton Saga driver, after the latter signalled to enter the fast lane.
Upon turning onto the fast lane, the Proton Saga driver turns on his hazard signal light for about two seconds as a sign to thank the driver for giving way.
The practice is said to have originated from Japan. But in many Eastern European countries, activating the emergency lights for a second or two, a sign of appreciation for the good deed the other driver made for another, is a common practice.
The post on TikTok by @utusanharian has gained more than 54,000 likes and more than 1,600 comments.
Now if you see such a gesture while driving, there is no need to be alarmed, it just may be someone thanking another for giving room to overtake.
Here are some of the comments the post gained:
@joya: have seen this before but never knew what it meant at that time.
@shaveina wrote: "simple act of kindness and acknowledgement sure could brighten one's day, slightly more".
@fara.nadiaa: i too only came to know about this way to say 'thank you' just last year
@pbt bukhari: this should be the way to communicate using the double signal. Three signals means 'Thank you' and two means 'Welcome'.