In England, I drove a big lorry.   6.8 tonnes unladen, to be exact.   One that I describe to Americans as being a super deluxe luxury model "Winnebago" for people and horses.   It was truly gorgeous and an absolute joy to drive.   German engineering (M.A.N 8.163 chassis) mixed with British styling (Whittaker coachbuilt horsebox).

Driving my lorry, including the 60 hours of HGV driver training I took before my UK driving exam, I gained a better appreciation of the men and women who drive lorries in the UK.   And, as part of my training, I learned one of the common courtesies truckers give each other when overtaking....

....Giving a signal when it is safe to cut back in after passing.

Tonight, in New Hampshire USA, while driving home from our local sushi restaurant (local being 20 miles away), an 18 wheeler overtook us in our little VW Cabrio on the interstate.   Once he was clear, I signaled to him.

Georg noticed I signaled and immediately commented that "that doesn't work in the USA".   But no sooner had he finished saying this when the truck indicated he was going to cut in, and did.   Then, he clearly signaled back to me his thanks!

I have to admit, these little exchanges do not seem to happen often in these here parts.   Whereas in the UK, the use of lights as a conversation between road sharers, especially truckers, is quite common.

I miss those quick friendly rolling encounters.