This morning, I noticed a Prius driving next to me on the way to work, and so when we pulled up next to each other at a stoplight, I gave the driver a thumbs up. He responded by shooting me a very puzzled look. It was clear that he couldn't tell I was driving a hybrid, and also (probably) that the idea of giving a thumbs up to other hybrid drivers hadn't occurred to him.

I wanted to pantomime back to him something to convey the message "See? We're both in hybrids!" In the split second I had to carry out our miniature conversation, I found myself wishing there was some kind of universal symbol or gesture for 'hybrid.' But, alas, the moment passed and we both drove on (he floored the gas up the next hill and vanished, so I would guess he isn't a GHer).

So what do you all think? Is there such a gesture? Should there be? What would it look like?

Alternatively, does anyone here know sign language and can enlighten us on how to sign 'hybrid?'

Thaaaanks!

In one hand, hold up [oil company logo | gas wasting toy vehicle | toy oil pump] and then using the other hand, use the middle finger to indicate that it is "number 1".

What we need is a Calvin window logo with him relieving himself on some symbol of excess gas consumption.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

Maybe we could borrow something Spockish from Star Trek since we are probably the second largest group of Geeks next to the Star Trek groupies.....just kidding everyone. Your not ALL geeks.

I have given up on waving at other Hybrid drivers - I was getting lots of weird looks. We aren't a novelty anymore and are becoming more mainstream. It was different when there weren't many of us out there. I still try to make eye contact with other hybrid drivers but for the most part they are as oblivious to their surroundings as the rest of the P.O.'d, hostage to the Big Dig disaster Boston drivers.

Or we are concentrating on our MPG performance and thinking, "How could I have improved my reg brakinig coming to this stop?"

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

In other threads it's been suggested that hybrid drivers are geeks. I've also seen posts comparing us to Star Trek fans (yes, I'm one).

Prehaps we should all get the insignia they wore on the chest of their uniforms in the original series. See another hybrid driver, flash you lights to get their attention and hold up the insignia.

If that doesn't break the geek stereotype, I don't know what will.

Could that symbol of excess gas consumption be one Art Spinella of CNW Marketing fame

Mike

Interesting to note that most of the others in this thread drive neither a Prius (except Bob) or Insight, which are the only instantly-recognizable hybrids. So, are you looking at a Hybrid VERSION of another car, or at a car that only has a Hybrid version?

Not clear? Are you in an Escape Hybrid waving like a mad fiend at a driver in a Camry Hybrid, or are you looking at an Insight and trying to tell them, "Hey, I'm driving a hybrid too; it just doesn't look like it"?

That sounded very condescending and I don't mean it that way. Just look at it from the other side. I'm hoping most Prius & Insight drivers DO consider FEH and TCH, etc to be "brothers" (if a little challenged ), and I'm pretty sure drivers of other Hybrid versions do. But if you pull up next to my Prius and start waving, I can't see the "Hybrid" on the back of your car/SUV, and might think you're flirting instead of sharing in the brotherhood, or telling me my tire's flat or something...

Change what & how I drive, not who I am. Rack 'em up.

I find waving doesn't work if you're not in a readily recognizable hyrbid (read: Insight or Prius). I did it a couple times, including to two guys parked to my right at a stop light in a Honda Civic Hybrid. I noticed, I smiled and nodded. They gave me a funny look and at the light sped off. (I'm not THAT funny looking... )

In retrospect, they probably did think I was flirting... ewww... not only am I happily married but neither of them were remotely my type (and I probably wasn't theirs, if you get my meaning.)

- Shannon (Geeky, Wild Texan)

LOL


Yes, it is hard for some folks to identify our vehicles as hybrids. I can see where waving under such situations may actually get us into trouble. Besides, my wife thinks its crazy to do it unless we're at a Hybrid gathering or similar event. I agree with her.


Cheers;

MSantos