The Rural Shake. A Cowboy Salute. The Drivers Wave. 

It has several names, but it’s acknowledging the driver coming from the other direction usually on a frontage road or on Main Street if it’s not busy. It is done with a single index finger, two fingers or a quick hand raise off of the steering wheel. 

Early mornings seem to be when it’s observed the most, maybe because the day is fresh and the steady stream of problems everyone faces haven’t been totally awakened yet. 

Consider it a subtle gesture that reinforces solidarity as a friendly greeting and in most cases a there is a hidden message. 

“Out here in blizzards, downfall and gumbo, miles from help, if you need assistance, I’ll be there in a jiffy.” 

In a recent FWP Montana Outdoors magazine, there was a short article on this greeting which sparked an informal survey of locals which netted some interesting responses.

Jim Goss has lived 25 years in Superior who initiates and acknowledges back when he sees it offered. 

“I also take daily walks in my neighborhood, where I make it a point to wave to all cars coming toward me from both directions.”

Debra Regan has been a Montanan for 54 years and currently lives in Superior. 

“Familiar with waving to be friendly to other drivers but didn't know it was called ‘driver's wave’ or it meant what the article (Montana Outdoors) said. I just thought it was being friendly. Yes, I initiate waving to other drivers and sometimes acknowledge them when they wave to me, if I have time before they get past me.”

Brooke Lincoln has lived in Haugan for 62 years and understood the core meaning. She’ll start it and respond when it’s offered before she can initiate it.

Denley Loge from St. Regis: “I have lived in Montana 60-plus years. I am familiar with the wave and the many versions. I initiate it or wave back if I am not first. It is interesting the varied techniques around here and throughout Montana. The index finger wiggle, the hand flip-up off the steering wheel, the out the window wave, and the full hand off the steering wheel from the inside to name a few. Eastern Montana on the rural roads tend to get a wave from all Montana license plates. In larger population areas you tend to get a bewildered look if you initiate a wave. Mid-western license plates tend to also wave but western states license plates will often scowl or look the other way if I can stereotype a little.”

“My name is Joe Griffith and I have lived in the Superior area for five years. I initiate the driver’s wave mostly on Mullan Road. Most of the vehicle drivers giving it back are from this area and are driving pickups or bigger trucks.”

Carl Rice from Cyr has been a Montana resident for 44 years, “I respond but don’t initiate it because I used to and so many didn’t do it back that I felt it wasn’t taken to mean what it was. I noticed that those who ignored it were from Washington.”

Cathy Stephens lives up Petty Creek outside of Alberton. “Before we moved here 15 years ago from ‘a nasty state on the West Coast,’ I’d never seen this before and it made me feel welcome! So today I wave while driving or riding our horses to all cars and trucks and find it nice that so many wave back.”

Becky Wilson from Sanders County wrote: “If it’s not a paved road, I will start it or wave back, but Highway 200 is too fast. I’ll do it in town if I recognize the driver.”

Anonymous: Now it’s more difficult for drivers to wave when they have a cell phone in their hand. That might involve both hands off the wheel. Ha- just makin' a joke.

Anita Parkin from Superior for 55 years knew about it, she starts it and responds to it, provided she isn’t focused when driving an ambulance.

Sandra: “Not every time will I start it or respond but It’s a nice gesture that I hope stays around. Even increases. These new people that moved here should do it, especially if they don’t have Montana license plates.

Barry Fleming from St. Regis and native Montanan said, “There are new people here that don’t understand the friendly meaning of it, I think. I hope they catch on as it’s a gesture that says, “Hi Neighbor. We may not know each other but I live nearby if you need something.”

Something so small and insignificant can mean so much to someone. We read that we are isolated and divided these days, that a smile, head nod or, if appropriate, a friendly wink can cheer someone up.