Quote:
Originally Posted by Spock Jenkins
As far as when a neighbor waives or doesn't waive getting anyones attention. I really couldn't tell you when my neighbors do our don't waive. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. Likewise for me. I have no idea if there is any pattern to this at all. If they don't, I figure they're busy with something else or didn't see me. I really can't think of any distinction in behavior based on the vehicle being used. Other than the motorcycle. The guy on the motorcycle accross the street doesn't typically waive for obvious reasons.
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I agree with Spock on most of what he's said, but especially this. My waving patterns tend to be rather eratic, mostly because I see no point in it. Likewise I don't usually yell "hi" to my neighbors when I see them out either, unless I plan to stop over an talk to them. It just seems an inefficient use of time and energy, kinda like spending $5 on a card when I could have just bought a nicer present. Then the one time I break the pattern because I don't see one of my neighbors, they'll probably read too much into it and think I dislike them. It's possible this neighbor, like me, doesn't realize that waving every single time he sees someone out is an absolute responsibility.
I will also second the comments about the Corvette requiring more attention to the road. I actually learned to drive on a Corvette, and owned F-Bodies every since until last year. When I drive my Grand Prix around now I can easily take my hand off the wheel for a second without a concern (though I usually don't), but all my sports cars were much more responsive, both to me and the road. This meant they were a lot safer if I was paying attention to the road like I'm supposed to, but it also means that they would be a lot more risky if I wasn't.
There's always other possibilities, the following of which I draw from my own experience for:
1) The 'Vette could be a stick, as someone mentioned above.
2) When I get in my GXP I just drive away, and turn on the radio somewhere down the road. But in my Firehawk I had a killer sound system, so I was usually using my free hand to change CDs and/or jack up the volume on my way out of the driveway. 'Vettes do come with a high power Bose system standard, and old pickups generally don't. Similarly, my Grand Prix has heated seats and a complicated dual climate control, so my free hands are often tied up more in it in the winter than they might be in another car.
3) Some people with 'Vettes (like my parents) use them as 'pleasure' vehicles, so they only drive them on occassion. When switching from a daily driver to an unfamiliar vehicle, especially one as different as a 'Vette, the driver can feel uncomfortable for the first minute or two until they get used to everything again. This effect is stronger in older drivers, or less competent drivers. Maybe your neighbor is getting 'back in the groove' of driving a 'Vette.
4) All cars have different internal geometries. I found it much easier to wave out the window of my F-Bodies than my GXP (I always hit my elbow), so I tend not to wave as much now. Maybe his 'Vette is similarly more difficult to wave out of.
I'm sure there's plenty more I didn't think of. Just some thoughts.