Topic Tuesday

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Let people know it was "My Bad"

OK - here is the simple question... When someone cuts you off in your car we all know the multitude of non-verbal communication we can choose from to clearly illustrate our frustration. But... what about the time when you realize you are at fault? Should not there be a universal non-verbal sign for "my bad?"

I had this happen the other day when I completely spaced and started to turn right on red when there was a car coming from the left. I was certainly in the wrong and I wished there was someway I could have indicated that. All I wanted to illustrate was "Whoops, sorry - that was totally my bad." I think I pointed at my head (to show that it was empty) but I doubt my message got across.

If you wave you look like a total ass "Thanks for letting me almost kill you!" same is true for a smile and a shrug clearly sends the message "So what, human life is cheap."

So - what should it be? A hand gesture - maybe a fist to the forehead? (I'd punch me I were you) or what?

Lastly, I know it's not Tuesday... my bad.

posted by Tom at 11:52 AM

5 Comments:

  • I do that all the time. I like the pointing to the head. I think that I sometimes kind of throw my hands in the air and mouth the "oops" like I just dropped a meatloaf.

    We have a 4 way stop that I use almost daily and most everyone forgot the rules of the 4 way stop from drivers ed, so people are always cutting others off. Plus everyone likes to pull as far ahead as they can to "reserve their spot in line" and that just cause more problems as you are now trying to turn and the person to your left is halfway in the intersection.

    Another problem is when you finallt get the green to turn and then you start out only to have someone in the crosswalk. Granted, pedestrians "always have the right of way" but it says "don't walk" and now I'm jamming on the brakes halfway through my turn. You want to point to them and say "read the sign.

    By Blogger Rob, At September 8, 2008 10:46 AM  

  • Two quick taps on the heart followed by an upturned palm gesture while mouthing the words "My Bad" and a sheepish, chagrined look sustained for the duration of any potential frontal, side or rear-view mirror glances usually does the trick. If it doesn't, screw 'em.

    By Blogger Doug Norris, At September 8, 2008 11:55 AM  

  • I have experienced this as well. I generally go with a hand up, palm open gesture that stops short of a wave but more-or-less indicates surrender.

    This most often happens when I'm not paying full attention or when my timing is off (e.g. merging in traffic). But sometimes I am at fault because I am driving in a more "spirited" manner. When I make an error in that case, I have to remind myself what I'd feel like if the person I just cut off was my mother. That usually brings be back down to earth. So what's the appropriate sign for "Sorry, I'm a just an asshole"?

    By Blogger David, At September 8, 2008 12:23 PM  

  • Dave, you didn't just call your mom an asshole did you?

    By Blogger Rob, At September 8, 2008 6:58 PM  

  • There must be a universal signal for "I'm sorry." Does anyone in our conversation circle sign? Is it an obvious enough gesture that people can use it while driving? If not, there should be some adapted version for drivers and it should be taught in driver's ed - along with the proper foods to eat while driving (Sloppy Joe's in a hot dog bun are a bad idea-trust me) and grooming do's and don'ts while driving...

    By Blogger Doug Norris, At September 9, 2008 7:40 AM  

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