Is It Just Me, Or Are Arizona’s Drivers Getting Meaner?

Driving in Arizona is becoming increasingly challenging. When I first moved here, everyone was so polite on the road.

Drivers were so conscientious: everyone came to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights and communicated with eye contact, hand waving, and turn signals. Politeness on the road was the rule, not the exception.

I’m waxing sentimental, I know. Drivers these days are more distracted, less engaged, and, I think, much angrier than they used to be. This shift has me pining for the good old days. Is it just rose-colored, 20-20 hindsight, or are things really getting worse on Arizona’s roadways?

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The Disappearing Arizona Wave

Decades ago, newcomers to Arizona often noticed how friendly our local drivers were. On smaller roads, it was common to see drivers exchange a brief wave. Not just a ‘go ahead, it’s your turn to go’ wave, but a ‘hello, nice to see you’ greeting, even if you didn't know each other. It was a simple gesture of goodwill as vehicles passed each other, and I'm not gonna lie, this always made my day.

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This Arizona Wave was not just reserved for acquaintances; it was part of the broader culture of neighborliness for strangers on the road, and I think it helped forge a sense of community among drivers.

Shifting Roadway Etiquette in Arizona

The population has grown in Arizona—a lot. And it’s brought noticeable shifts in local driving culture.

They’re really apparent on our state's highways. That friendly wave is more likely to be a rude gesture these days.

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That other driver could be signaling right-of-way, letting you know it's your turn to... well, turn. But they also might be telling you they have a, ahem, negative opinion of your driving skills. It’s hard to keep cool when another driver is so good at, shall we say, graphic sign language.

The Vanishing Turn Signal Habit

I'm not fond of these other habits, but this last one really boils my blood: the noticeable decline in turn-signal use.

I, too, am also driving a thousands-pound-vehicle. I am also ruminating about the crummy day I'm having. I don’t have the bandwidth to read your mind and try to figure out which lane you want to be in.

Just tell me where you're going. Just use your turn signal, please!!