2006-07-07 15:35:16 · 11 answers · asked by Rick A 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I got my first DL (the one for which both a written and a road test are required) in 1994 in Washington State.
I actually remember being taught, that when you first come to a stop you should allow 1 to 3 carlengths ahead depending on the amount/distance of visibilty you have between your car and the next car behind you. ...more space for less visibility.
For example, if you come to a stoplight (/sign) after just having crested a hill, you should leave a little extra room ahead. This is done in case you must move forward when the next car behind you realizes too late that they need to stop.
Your being able to move ahead will either cushion yourself, if rear ended... or avoid a rear-end collision all together.
2006-07-07 15:47:36 · answer #1 · answered by Qrissy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I stop a car length back because I had a semi decide he was going the wrong way and backed up over the front of my car. I even tried to back up to avoid contact but another can pulled behind me so I had no where to go. so I am one of these people you are talking about.
2006-07-07 22:47:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is to avoid hitting the car in front of you if someone hits you from behind. In many states if someone hits you and pushes you into the car ahead of you, it is your responsibility to pay for the damage caused to the car in front of you since you were too close.
2006-07-07 22:43:14 · answer #3 · answered by Amanda 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I took the test in order to get my license it was one of the rules of the road. You are suppose to stay one car length away. It is road courtesy.
2006-07-07 22:46:37 · answer #4 · answered by Tanja S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are over cautious. Afraid that if someone runs in the back of them it will shunt them into the car in front and of course it could just be sloppy driving.
Jules, Australia.
2006-07-07 22:41:01 · answer #5 · answered by Jules G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What are the alternatives? Slam into the vehicle in front?
Drive your car and let the others drive theirs.
2006-07-07 22:40:25 · answer #6 · answered by J. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not new. I wish it was 'old.' It's annoying, especially during a left turn light and I miss it because the person in front of me is sitting on my lap.
2006-07-07 22:39:17 · answer #7 · answered by spolie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if im in heavy traffic i do that to give myself room incase some idiot isnt paying attention so i can ease up and hopefully give them room to stop ive been rear-ended before and i started doing that it hasnt happened sense
2006-07-07 22:41:53 · answer #8 · answered by jim_beam3001 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To prevent an eight car rear-end pile up.
2006-07-07 22:47:53 · answer #9 · answered by bacavy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've seen that alot of times. It doesn't bother me though.
2006-07-07 22:38:26 · answer #10 · answered by niceman steve 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋