MOST FACE-TO-FACE encounters we have with strangers are very polite. But when two people encounter each other in their cars, it is more likely to involve yelling and rude gestures. Why is this? A few months ago, I was watching the excellent program called The Human Face and the host, John Cleese, suggested it was because in cars we can't see each others' facial expressions.

I've been thinking about that ever since, and I believe that is correct. The more I drive around with this view in mind, the more it seems obvious what the solution would be: Someone needs to invent a new gesture. It would be so useful, its meaning would quickly spread and it would very quickly be universally known and used, and it could save lots of unnecessary suffering worldwide.

Specifically, we need a hand-gesture that means, "Oops! I'm sorry." We already have a hand gesture that means, "You did a bad thing and I don't like it!" It is universally known. But we don't have one for its opposite.

I thought at first I could just look it up in my dictionary of American Sign Language, but the sign for "I'm sorry" is making a circle over your chest with a fist. That won't work. You can't signal someone in a car behind you using that sign. You can't stick your hand out the window to make the gesture.

I thought of using the peace sign (two fingers in the air) but through the back of a car window it might easily be mistaken for giving someone the finger, and that won't help. And even if it is correctly seen, it might easily be misinterpreted to mean, "Calm down," or "You're making a big deal out of nothing," rather than, "I know what I did was a mistake and I'm sorry."

I'm calling on all you inventive people, or anyone who knows other forms of sign language. What we need is a gesture that can be made with one hand, and is easily distinguishable from the birdie, so it cannot possibly be mistaken for it. If you have an idea, or if you come up with one, send us a photo of it, and we'll post it on this page. If it's good enough, I will start the international campaign right here.

Think about what a difference it would make to you when you see someone do something that could easily be construed as hostile or incredibly stupid and then seeing a sign that they know they just made a mistake and they are sorry about it. Or think about what a relief it would be to have made a mistake yourself while driving, and being able to communicate to the car behind you that you know you made a mistake and you're sorry about it.

This simple thing could really make a big difference on the road. Think about it...and then send me your ideas. Please. Or just launch the campaign on your own and I'll hear about it and help you promote it.