Leave a buffer for your bumper: Study contradicts practice of traffic light tailgating

science news ^ | November 27, 2017 | Virginia Tech

[arthurus]

Back before electronic sensors there were mechanical runovers. On a two lane that saw very little traffic there was one such in a straight ahead lane with a right turn lane beside. My scco then would not trigger the runover. A Beach cop came up behind me and we sat. I could not legally make any move without the light turning green. The cop leaned out the window and ordered me through the light. I said it is red. He said if you don’t go on through I will arrest you. I went forward and as soon as I got across the bar his light came on and I got a ticket.That was the Beach Police back then. I also had to go to court with it because in those days the arresting officer had to be in court with the ticketee or the ticket got thrown out. Beach Police never went in to court. For them if it took any effort for the money it wasn’t worth it. Nowadays if they don’t show up they get fired.

[trebb]

I usually slow down early and leave extra space until I know the car behind me has it under control. Then I move to about 8 feet from the car ahead of me.

Doesn't help if everyone is on each other's bumpers as it just increases the accordion effect as things start moving and everyone speeds up/slows down/speeds up.

Also almost always armed so if someone decided to try to squeeze in, I just let them do it - life is too short and precious to get all bent out of shape because idiots inhabit the road with me and it isn't worth "defending my honor" by doing something that might escalate into something serious.

[SamAdams76]

What they don't take into account is that while you slow to a stop 25 feet away from the car in front of you, three cars from lanes beside you will pull into the space you created.

Not to mention that the people behind you will lean on their horns and make obscene gestures at you.

[Does so]

"makes a lot of sense, but what will your auto insurance company say about you not leaving enough space between you and the car in front to prevent rear-ending the car in front when you yourself are rear-ended?"

I'll let the insurance company make their case. ;)

[Hot Tabasco]

Leaving a large space between yourself and the car ahead takes on a whole new meaning when you're used to driving in winter conditions like here in Michigan.

Several times I was able to use that space when I observed a car behind me in a locked brake slide on the icy road. He finally stopped inches from my rear bumper.

[SamAdams76]

Based on all the replies here, I’m even more convinced that automated cars are not too far in our future.

[ExTxMarine]

I like the timers and use those too. Just remember, if the stick-figure is white, your light will remain green!

[AZLiberty]

What you're supposed to do at a red light is to leave enough space so that you can see the rear tires of the car in front of you.

This implies that tall people can pull up closer, and that little granny who can't see over the steering wheel should stay back at the previous intersection.