The study also doesn’t take into account the amount of gridlock that would be created when there are sequential intersections with lights.
No, the article pointed out that it takes the same number of seconds for the same line to move through the light, whether the cars are more closely parked or further away. I’d get a little closer than 25 feet, but I still leave enough space (partly in case I need to exit the line for some reason).
And if somebody wants to get in there, let them. Or I guess you’ve never been trapped in the wrong lane? I figure what goes around comes around, and if you let people in, give enough space, etc. It all comes out the same in the end. And there’s less chance of an accident really ruining your day.
Did this guy take into consideration human reaction time? As the first driver in line, they keep their eye on the signal, but if the driver of the following car keeps his eye on the lead car’s tail lights then you create a larger gap. If that same driver is also watching the signal, then they are not reacting to the car in front and will accelerate on the light change and reduce the gap and potentially rear end the lead car.
Traffic flow theory works on reacting the other car’s taillights.