By Aaron Mahoney (@Mahones93 on Twitter)

Mandatory Courtesy Wave Legislation Arrives in Alberta

Apr 1, 2018 | 7:39 AM

LETHBRIDGE – Failure to use the courtesy wave in traffic isn’t just rude, but according to the Alberta Motor Association, it’s downright un-Canadian!

As self-described safety advocates and patriots, AMA in a news release says they are proud to support the new Mandatory Courtesy Wave legislation, which will enforce a sense of community on our roads.

AMA teamed up with the RCMP this year after a 2017 study for the AMA Foundation for Traffic Safety found nearly six in 10 Albertans believe aggressive driving has gotten worse in the last three years.

Driver Education Manager Ron Wilson says this is just encouraging common courtesy.

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“We’re all part of one driving community in Alberta, and every strong community begins with courtesy,” Wilson continued. “A wave from driver to driver just makes people feel better.”

In this day and age, a lot of people are in a hurry when they’re out there on the road and driving is one of the most dangerous things we do every day, so Wilson says let’s not take it for granted.

“Let’s promote courtesy when we get in the car let’s get from Point A to Point B as safely as we can while also acknowledging that no one owns the road. For example, you’re coming up in traffic from the right lane and you’re trying to merge into the left due to a road closure. Someone backs off and lets you in, it’s just the polite thing to do to give them a wave,” Wilson stated.

“Maybe when they’re out there on the road, drivers are being a little more aggressive, and driving a little faster or being distracted that sort of thing. Anything we can do to make things safer on the roads and to improve our own driving is a win-win.”

Of course, if you take a look at your calendar, today is Sunday, April 1, which means this is all just an April Fools gag. 

“Obviously, this is an April Fools joke, and we don’t think legislation is actually necessary, but more positive community-mindedness is always a good thing. Hopefully, this video makes people think the next time they get behind the wheel that we all share the road,” Wilson said.

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