Hey, Prius!

I performed a small social experiment today in the spirit of Larry David.  In an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, he decided to wave at random people driving the same type of car he was.  Today I did the same to see if same car owners do indeed share a special bond.

9:07 am …..  Passed a gold 2nd generation Prius doing highway speed.  I waved but the person driving was carrying on a conversation with the passenger and didn’t notice me.  However, a young person in a child seat in the back did wave back.  Nice.  Let’s call that 1 for 1.

1:02 pm …..  Pulled up along side a silver 2nd generation Prius at a stop light.  I smiled and waved and got no response from the middle age woman driving.  Very disappointing.  I made eye contact and everything.  1 for 2.

1:27pm …..  Passed a red 2nd generation Prius going the opposite direction at about 35 mph.  I waved frantically (knowing the encounter would be brief) but again got no response from the driver.  I know he saw me, but my heart wants to believe otherwise for fear of being broken.  1 for 3.

An experiment using only three subjects certainly doesn’t provide sufficient feedback to make a claim about its validity.  However, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t dissapointed with the results.  While the first encounter of the day ended with success (although I’m sure the kid didn’t know why he was waving) the rest of the day was upsetting to say the least. 

I expected the common cause of the Prius owner to offset peoples skeptical nature but was left wanting.  Tomorrow however is another day.