Driving & Pedestrian Etiquette: Who Goes First (and Why Everyone Waves)
From four-way stops to the famous Canadian 'thank you' wave, here’s a fun guide for newcomers learning the unwritten rules of the road.
Driving & Pedestrian Etiquette: Who Goes First (and Why Everyone Waves)
You’ve got your license, your car, and now you’re wondering: why is everyone waving at me?
Four-Way Stops = Confusion Olympics
- Rule: whoever arrives first goes first.
- Reality: everyone waves at everyone else.
- If you freeze, Canadians will wait patiently… and then wave again.
Pedestrians: The True Rulers
At crosswalks, cars stop. Always.
- Even if you hesitate, they’ll wait—smiling politely while secretly freezing to death.
- But don’t abuse it. Cross like a normal human, not in slow motion.
The Wave
The “thank you” wave is law.
- Someone lets you merge? Wave.
- They stop for you? Wave.
- Forget to wave? You’re basically on a watchlist.
The Bottom Line
👉 Tip: Roundabouts exist here. Don’t panic. Enter, keep right, and exit. And yes, Canadians will still wave.
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