noun
traffic accident caused by a driver thanking another driver for yielding
Refers to a specific type of accident where a driver, after being let through at a junction, focuses on thanking the other driver and fails to check for other hazards.
交差点で道を譲ってもらったお礼に手を上げた瞬間、サンキュー事故を起こしてしまった。
The moment I raised my hand to thank the driver who yielded at the intersection, I caused a 'thank-you accident'.
Thank-you accidents happen when a driver becomes so focused on expressing gratitude that they neglect to check their surroundings.