The other day I pulled out into a three-lane (in one direction) road, and just as I'm pulling out, I realize that the car I thought was in the middle lane was really in the near lane. They were far enough away that my pulling out in front of them wasn't dangerous, but it was certainly rude, and I felt bad. I wanted to stick my hand out the window and give some kind of “I'm sorry — my bad!” sign, but I don't know of any.
Is there any universally understood (at least, universal except for me) driver's sign for “oops, sorry”? There should be.
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I’ve seen in the past people holding up one hand and nodding sheepishly. That seems to be, at least in these circles, acknowledged as accepting some sort of responsibility.
I would just have an open hand and wave.
I do both of those down here in Aus too.
When someone lets you into their lane its common practice here to raise your gear stick hand[1] and give a sort of backhand wave (clearly visible to the driver who’s now behind you) as a thank you.
[1] – left hand in Oz where we drive on the left side of the road, right hand for right hand drive 😉