The Jeep Wave

[Big Mac]

The Jeep Wave (quoted from jeep4ever website)

New Jeep owners soon discover a tradition that has been around perhaps as long as Jeeps, the Jeep Wave. Some may think it strange or even silly, but before you judge perhaps take a moment and consider this:

During World War II the Jeep was always on the move, often running back and forth from the front lines delivering vital supplies or urgent messages, or to carry wounded soldiers, attempt rescues or bring reinforcements. Some say this is where the Jeep wave began as a way to know friend from foe or to acknowledge an officer without a salute that might alert enemies of a high ranking official. Or perhaps it was just a simple gesture from soldiers in one Jeep to another Jeep as they passed. A sign of camaraderie and respect between courageous souls in dark and dangerous times.



Other's say the Jeep wave began after the war when the soldiers returned home. During the war the Jeep had earned a place in the hearts of many soldiers and as a result, many of those who made it home, wanted to own their own Jeep. Often the drivers of Jeeps passing on roadways would wave at each other, as they knew most likely each other had served.



Finally some claim the wave began only when civilians started buying Jeeps and taking them off road. The shared fun and excitment of tackling seemingly impossible trails and obstacles in the nimble Jeep, naturally builds a kinship with other Jeepers. The wave acknowledges that shared understanding and appreciation of the Jeep's amazing capabilities and the enjoyment ownership can bring.



So next time you see a Jeep, give a wave and if you don't get one in return, don't be offended, just consider it a wave for the 'One and Only Jeep' and what it represents, our freedom and the brave souls who fought for it.

[Redemptioner]

As I understand it the "jeep wave" is actually the 'Land Rover wave' and the occurrence was originally recorded back when the series 1 was in production, the yanks liked the idea of it so much and what it represented so it was adopted by 'many" jeep owners. When driving a 'real' Land Rover I have never had an instance when I did not get a "wave" back, can't say the same for jeep owners as it appears to be limited to those who make decent modifications and take them off the pavement (JKU owners are the worst....).

Traditionally it is 2 fingers raised off the steering wheel in acknowledgement of another Land Rover and it's owner making a great choice and it is so ingrained in the culture that many dealers advise people that purchase a Land Rover that it is a requirement of owning one. For jeeps it seems to of progressed further to an entire open hand rested on the top of the steering wheel possible because the jeep windscreens are typically so much smaller so there is a requirement to make it more noticeable or maybe it is because yanks like to be flamboyant and therefore 2 fingers were simply not enough.....

So if you don't get a wave back just remember it is only copying another brand's tradition and is more aligned to an acknowledgement of another decent 4x4 than it is to acknowledging another jeep owner (outside of driving a Land Rover).

[Mace1]

Owning, registering, insuring, or driving a Jeep implies knowledge of and intent to abide by the following rules, regulations, and guidelines. Failure to obey the letter or spirit of the rules may result in your being ignored by other Jeep owners as you sit along the side of the road next to your stalled vehicle in a blizzard surrounded by Kia's, Honda's, and Hyundais

General Rules:
1. All Jeepers are responsible for upholding the tradition of the Wave. Upon contact with a higher scoring Jeep, a Jeeper is required to initiate the Wave, and continue the Wave until:
a.The Wave is returned
b.The Wave is blatantly disregarded
c.The higher scoring vehicle has passed by and is out of sight
2. All Jeepers are required to return the Wave, unless the initiating vehicle is clearly has a negative (below 0) score.

3. All Jeepers are encouraged, but not required, to return the Wave to negative balance vehicles, and take any opportunity presented to guide and mentor them about their responsibilities to their Jeeps in the hopes that they can correct the error of their ways.

4. When unsure of status or wave requirements of a particular encounter or unable to completely assess the other Jeep's score quickly enough to ensure that the proper Jeep Wave Etiquette rules are followed, immediately initiate wave.


"When in doubt, WHIP IT OUT!"

http://jeeptalk.org/jeep_wave.php

[Big Mac]

Jeep Wave from Fraser Is.



The CJ5 Super Wave



The TJ Wave

[bleetnblurt]

there are a few reasons for not waving
A: you are being booked on the side of road
B: you are not in the jeep due to you have to save the Nissan driver.
C: you are clinging onto the steering wheel for your life as you drive down that 89dec slope with the engine at peak rev.
D: you are up side down.
and final one is the most common : you are running away as the passenger (wife or girlfriend) is bitching at a constant high pitch and the kids are screaming due to you passed movie world without stopping. oh yeah of course the icing is the dog and or cat shats in the car.

[Big Mac]

The Happy Wave

[bleetnblurt]

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