5 Unique Vehicle ‘Waves’ in Michigan That AREN’T Jeep Waves

If you've owned a Jeep for more than 5 minutes, you are aware that ownership also means membership in a community of fanatics who lazily acknowledge one another with a 'Jeep Wave' and duck each other. We won't be covering Jeep Ducking here, but the link below goes into detail about the practice of placing rubber ducks on each other's Jeeps.

Related: What it Means if You Find a Rubber Duck on Your Vehicle

The Jeep Wave is said to have started in World War II when 2 soldiers driving the military vehicle in opposite directions would wave at one another to say, "Yeah, me too" or "Be safe". This evolved into what is now a practice amongst citizen drivers. Jeeps aren't alone, however. There are other vehicle makes and models that have their own unique greetings too.

The Michigan MX-5 Miata Flip

Nope. Not what you're thinking. Not the hand gesture. MX-5 Miata drivers are known to flash each other when they pass on the roadways. Nope. Not what you're thinking.

The MX-5 Miata Flip is so named because the headlights flip up when they are turned on. So the owners of this Mazda roadster opt to 'flip and flash' rather than drive and wave.

The Michigan Motorcycle Low 2-Finger Salute

What the greeting means is up for debate, but there's no arguing that those on two wheels are more die-hard than any other vehicle owners. Motorcycle riders who pass one another on the road give each other a low 2-finger greeting. Think of it like an upside-down peace sign. Why? Some say it's a way of reminding each other to "keep in on 2 wheels", others say it means "we've got each other's back", and some think it's a combination of both.

The Michigan FJ Cruiser Wave

Though it is a direct rip-off of the Jeep Wave, FJ Cruiser owners are a very small club. Some estimates say there are less than 7,000 of these...unique...off-road vehicles with...interesting...faces. But they have great personalities.

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Because of the small number of people who drive these, owners are known to wave at one another as if to say: "Thank goodness, I wasn't the only sucker!".

The Michigan Corvette Wave

A Corvette isn't a purchase, it's a goal. People who drive these sports cars have dreamed about it most of if not their entire life. Ask a Corvette owner and they will tell you the special bond they have with their car. It's like driving around a trophy that says "I reached my goal". So it's not surprising that Corvette owners not only wave but gather together for parades throughout Michigan.

The Michigan Honda Civic Nation Wave

This one never really caught on, but I have experienced it firsthand. I used to own a Civic. There was a time when Civics were everywhere! On the road, in the parking lot, on the streets, in your closet...everywhere I tell you! So Honda wanting to take advantage of the market saturation tried to get owners to wave to each other. Here's the proof:

There you have it. 5 different vehicles that have their communities. Frankly, let's start with one for every make and model. That way we'll be so busy looking around for each other we will actually be paying attention to the road.

Related: Can You Be Pulled Over for Eating and Driving in Michigan?