We all know what road rage is and tend to give it a swerve whenever possible. But at the other end of the scale is driving etiquette towards other motorists that are powering towards you in a near-identical model.

The first time I encountered this was when testing out the VW Beetle several years back. Sure enough another Beetle was approaching from the other direction and the driver was waving frantically at me with a beaming smile lighting up his face. I should point out that this male driver was probably in his late-50 so age has no bearing on this pastime.

My first reaction was to think there was something wrong and that he was in distress or I had a problem with my car. But after a little research I soon discovered it was a tradition and is an approach many Beetle drivers follow. Since then I have even seen drivers waving the traditional daisy-type flower that has its own special vase container on the Beetle’s dashboard.

But it’s not just VW drivers who show this enthusiasm towards like-minded motorists. Motorcyclists will often give a courteous nod as another biker approaches, hardcore off-roaders with fully beefed up 4x4s complete with snorkels will offer a raised hand symbol of recognition and that is especially common amongst old-style Defender owners. Then there’s the drivers of the ultra-fast supercars, who tend to offer one another a slight smile of approval as they sit side by side at the traffic lights.

However, there is a relatively new fad that is taking Jeep owners by storm and somewhat bizarrely it involves rubber ducks. It’s called ‘Duck, Duck, Jeep’ or ‘Jeep Ducking’ amongst other names and started out as a way of showing appreciation towards other Wrangler owners.

It is believed to have started in Canada when a lady called Allison Parliament placed a plastic duck on another Jeep. It was simply an act of kindness after a really testing day, as well as recognition of a fellow Jeep owner.

Fast forward four years and, with the aid of social media, we have a Jeep duck trend that has escalated to crazy numbers.

And it’s not just the Wrangler that gets ‘ducked’ any Jeep will do. Passers-by simply leave the cute little rubber ducks on the windshield and some have messages such as ‘You’ve been ducked’ or ‘Nice Jeep’ while others are left blank.

Of course as the trend gains momentum, we are seeing all manner of ducks from glittery ones, multi-coloured versions and even personalised hand-made modifications. But in all honesty, any plastic duck will do.

Then in true fun-loving spirit, Jeep also got in on the act at the North American International Auto Show, when they unveiled a six-storey tall yellow duck. Thankfully, Jeep owners can stick to the much smaller versions.

This is all a very timely introduction to the all-new Jeep Wrangler which is just launching here in the UK and is available in trims called Sahara, costing £61,125 and Rubicon, priced from £63,125.

Boasting unbelievable off-road ability, this new 2024 model features the traditional seven-slot grille so will be easy to spot for anyone armed with a bucket load of plastic yellow ducks.

Compiled for Regit