WATCH: Japanese Drivers use Car Hazard Lights to say Thank You

Japan is a country that's well-known for different things. Aside from the high speed bullet train, delicacies, and cherry blossoms, the land of the rising sun is famous for having disciplined citizens.

This is because Japan is known for its politeness and good manners. We Filipinos are also respectful to others--especially to our elders. If the Japanese have the bow, we have the mano, which we usually do when we see our grandparents, parents, and other older family members ("Mag-bless ka kay ninong, lapit na birthday mo"). However, our culture of respect is sometimes forgotten when we get behind the wheel, unlike the Japanese who still embodies their respectful attitude even when they're driving on the road.

In Japan, there's this thing called “Thank You Hazard,” which Japanese drivers do to express their gratitude when other drivers give way by letting them switch lanes. Once the driver successfully changed lanes, the car's hazard lights will be flashed a few times as a way of saying thank you to the other driver who yielded or gave way. Watch the video posted below to understand Japan's Thank You Hazard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oJk8pOJNe0

This driving technique is not taught in driving schools in Japan. It just became a common practice among Japanese drivers. Here's another video for you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giICHPMN6IQ

Our country is not a stranger to this kind of practice--we usually wave our hand whenever other motorists let us pass, which is a practice that we need to do more on a daily basis to reduce road rage and stress. After all, being courteous motorists wouldn't harm us, right?