Driving can be difficult enough for some, even without all the extra complications - traffic lights, roadworks, heavy traffic, 'hidden' road laws, and yes, even other drivers.

That's exactly what happened when a recent Reddit post of a Sydney traffic light intersection sparked some heated conversations on the forum website - all based on one small detail…

If you look closely at the picture below, you'll notice that the front cars are leaving a car-length space between them and the white line. It's definitely a bizarre habit that we've never heard of before!

While the user admitted they're not really sure why they do this, they seemed interested to know if they're the only ones doing it. 'What's the advantage of stopping a car length behind the white line…' they asked. 'Or am I a habitual “line stepper”?'

A driver noticed his fellow drivers leave a car-length space between them and the white line at the intersection. Credit: Reddit.

The general consensus seemed to be that this particular habit was actually unnecessary since it caused the intersection sensors to fail to detect the cars - thus delaying the lights for other drivers behind them.

'The advantage of stopping an entire car length or more behind the actual line is that it immediately identifies you as a moron,' one user jokingly commented on the post.

Of course, the comments weren't all bad - some users had perfectly reasonable explanations for the unusual road habit.

'Some people do it to get a rolling start when the other direction goes red so they can get in front,' another user suggested. 'Others believe it gives room to make sure other drivers aren't about to run the red and hit you from the other side of the intersection.'

According to the NSW Road User Handbook, even though it's important to maintain a 'three-second stopping gap' between the vehicle in front of you, drivers must stop as close to the line as they can to prevent accidents or collisions.

Here's how to calculate your three-second stopping gap (crash avoidance space) when driving:

1. Select an object or mark on the left-hand side of the road, for example, a power pole, tree or sign.
2. As the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes this object, count 3 seconds ('1 thousand and 1, 2 thousand and 2, 3 thousand and 3').
3. If your vehicle passes the object after you've finished counting, this is enough crash avoidance space.

If you drive past the object before you reach the end of the count, you're following too closely; reduce your speed and try again until you have at least a three-second buffer between your car and the one in front of you.

Credit: Transport for NSW.​

So, members, it looks like you're the judge on this one. What do you think? Why do some people do this? Let us know in the comments if you have any thoughts we can add!

As always, stay alert on the roads and drive safely!

 

[Retiree46]

A good reason to keep a distance from the white line at an intersection is that if you are rear ended you won't be pushed out into the oncoming traffic.

 

[Dennis]

I always get as close to the white line as possible but wait about 3 seconds before moving off in case of red- light runners.

 

[Ian1]

Driving can be difficult enough for some, even without all the extra complications - traffic lights, roadworks, heavy traffic, 'hidden' road laws, and yes, even other drivers.

That's exactly what happened when a recent Reddit post of a Sydney traffic light intersection sparked some heated conversations on the forum website - all based on one small detail…

If you look closely at the picture below, you'll notice that the front cars are leaving a car-length space between them and the white line. It's definitely a bizarre habit that we've never heard of before!

While the user admitted they're not really sure why they do this, they seemed interested to know if they're the only ones doing it. 'What's the advantage of stopping a car length behind the white line…' they asked. 'Or am I a habitual “line stepper”?'

View attachment 10778

A driver noticed his fellow drivers leave a car-length space between them and the white line at the intersection. Credit: Reddit.

The general consensus seemed to be that this particular habit was actually unnecessary since it caused the intersection sensors to fail to detect the cars - thus delaying the lights for other drivers behind them.

'The advantage of stopping an entire car length or more behind the actual line is that it immediately identifies you as a moron,' one user jokingly commented on the post.

Of course, the comments weren't all bad - some users had perfectly reasonable explanations for the unusual road habit.

'Some people do it to get a rolling start when the other direction goes red so they can get in front,' another user suggested. 'Others believe it gives room to make sure other drivers aren't about to run the red and hit you from the other side of the intersection.'

According to the NSW Road User Handbook, even though it's important to maintain a 'three-second stopping gap' between the vehicle in front of you, drivers must stop as close to the line as they can to prevent accidents or collisions.

Here's how to calculate your three-second stopping gap (crash avoidance space) when driving:

1. Select an object or mark on the left-hand side of the road, for example, a power pole, tree or sign.
2. As the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes this object, count 3 seconds ('1 thousand and 1, 2 thousand and 2, 3 thousand and 3').
3. If your vehicle passes the object after you've finished counting, this is enough crash avoidance space.

If you drive past the object before you reach the end of the count, you're following too closely; reduce your speed and try again until you have at least a three-second buffer between your car and the one in front of you.

Credit: Transport for NSW.​

So, members, it looks like you're the judge on this one. What do you think? Why do some people do this? Let us know in the comments if you have any thoughts we can add!

As always, stay alert on the roads and drive safely!

 

[Ian1]

Increasingly I have noticed this phenomenon occurring. My take on it is that, if you’re rear-ended while waiting at a traffic-light controlled intersection, it will allow your car to be prevented from being shunted into the intersection. However, as has been pointed out, stopping so far behind the marked lines prevents the traffic control sensors from being activated, which is very frustrating. The another annoying very common habit is for drivers to stop across the pedestrian crossing lines at traffic lights. The rule is to stop just behind the first line you encounter, allowing any pedestrians to cross in relative safety. How does stopping a couple of feet into the crossing advantage anyone? Grrrr!

 

[mOiOz]

Regarding the 3-second space between two traveling cars, I would like to suggest another way of keeping a safe distance which I find easier, with the same or similar and even safer, calculation - taught to me overseas,
One car space for every 10 kilometers of speed.
This method does leave a bit more space between vehicles, also allowing other drivers to overtake in a safer manner.
Does anyone else use this?

 

[Cassiej]

Driving can be difficult enough for some, even without all the extra complications - traffic lights, roadworks, heavy traffic, 'hidden' road laws, and yes, even other drivers.

That's exactly what happened when a recent Reddit post of a Sydney traffic light intersection sparked some heated conversations on the forum website - all based on one small detail…

If you look closely at the picture below, you'll notice that the front cars are leaving a car-length space between them and the white line. It's definitely a bizarre habit that we've never heard of before!

While the user admitted they're not really sure why they do this, they seemed interested to know if they're the only ones doing it. 'What's the advantage of stopping a car length behind the white line…' they asked. 'Or am I a habitual “line stepper”?'

View attachment 10778

A driver noticed his fellow drivers leave a car-length space between them and the white line at the intersection. Credit: Reddit.

The general consensus seemed to be that this particular habit was actually unnecessary since it caused the intersection sensors to fail to detect the cars - thus delaying the lights for other drivers behind them.

'The advantage of stopping an entire car length or more behind the actual line is that it immediately identifies you as a moron,' one user jokingly commented on the post.

Of course, the comments weren't all bad - some users had perfectly reasonable explanations for the unusual road habit.

'Some people do it to get a rolling start when the other direction goes red so they can get in front,' another user suggested. 'Others believe it gives room to make sure other drivers aren't about to run the red and hit you from the other side of the intersection.'

According to the NSW Road User Handbook, even though it's important to maintain a 'three-second stopping gap' between the vehicle in front of you, drivers must stop as close to the line as they can to prevent accidents or collisions.

Here's how to calculate your three-second stopping gap (crash avoidance space) when driving:

1. Select an object or mark on the left-hand side of the road, for example, a power pole, tree or sign.
2. As the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes this object, count 3 seconds ('1 thousand and 1, 2 thousand and 2, 3 thousand and 3').
3. If your vehicle passes the object after you've finished counting, this is enough crash avoidance space.

If you drive past the object before you reach the end of the count, you're following too closely; reduce your speed and try again until you have at least a three-second buffer between your car and the one in front of you.

Credit: Transport for NSW.​

So, members, it looks like you're the judge on this one. What do you think? Why do some people do this? Let us know in the comments if you have any thoughts we can add!

As always, stay alert on the roads and drive safely!

If you're too close to the line and someone hits you from behind it could push you into the intersection or at the very least into the pedestrian area.

 

[Ricci]

I always stop as close to the line as I can as I want the lights sensors to be able to see me and to register my presence.

 

[JehazFNQ]

I always get as close to the white line as possible but wait about 3 seconds before moving off in case of red- light runners.

I’ll bet you cop a few beeps for that one.

 

[Ronloby]

Avoids tripping the red light camera!

 

[Marj53]

I always stop as close to the line as I can as I want the lights sensors to be able to see me and to register my presence.

Completely agree. Nothing worse than waiting to go and whoever is in front is not close enough..Then having to wait for all the other traffic to go again. Then hopefully get to go eventually.

 

[Baz1960]

Driving can be difficult enough for some, even without all the extra complications - traffic lights, roadworks, heavy traffic, 'hidden' road laws, and yes, even other drivers.

That's exactly what happened when a recent Reddit post of a Sydney traffic light intersection sparked some heated conversations on the forum website - all based on one small detail…

If you look closely at the picture below, you'll notice that the front cars are leaving a car-length space between them and the white line. It's definitely a bizarre habit that we've never heard of before!

While the user admitted they're not really sure why they do this, they seemed interested to know if they're the only ones doing it. 'What's the advantage of stopping a car length behind the white line…' they asked. 'Or am I a habitual “line stepper”?'

View attachment 10778

A driver noticed his fellow drivers leave a car-length space between them and the white line at the intersection. Credit: Reddit.

The general consensus seemed to be that this particular habit was actually unnecessary since it caused the intersection sensors to fail to detect the cars - thus delaying the lights for other drivers behind them.

'The advantage of stopping an entire car length or more behind the actual line is that it immediately identifies you as a moron,' one user jokingly commented on the post.

Of course, the comments weren't all bad - some users had perfectly reasonable explanations for the unusual road habit.

'Some people do it to get a rolling start when the other direction goes red so they can get in front,' another user suggested. 'Others believe it gives room to make sure other drivers aren't about to run the red and hit you from the other side of the intersection.'

According to the NSW Road User Handbook, even though it's important to maintain a 'three-second stopping gap' between the vehicle in front of you, drivers must stop as close to the line as they can to prevent accidents or collisions.

Here's how to calculate your three-second stopping gap (crash avoidance space) when driving:

1. Select an object or mark on the left-hand side of the road, for example, a power pole, tree or sign.
2. As the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes this object, count 3 seconds ('1 thousand and 1, 2 thousand and 2, 3 thousand and 3').
3. If your vehicle passes the object after you've finished counting, this is enough crash avoidance space.

If you drive past the object before you reach the end of the count, you're following too closely; reduce your speed and try again until you have at least a three-second buffer between your car and the one in front of you.

Credit: Transport for NSW.​

So, members, it looks like you're the judge on this one. What do you think? Why do some people do this? Let us know in the comments if you have any thoughts we can add!

As always, stay alert on the roads and drive safely!

It's still amazes me. How people are driving and don't know the road rules.

 

[Southmelbswans]

Driving can be difficult enough for some, even without all the extra complications - traffic lights, roadworks, heavy traffic, 'hidden' road laws, and yes, even other drivers.

That's exactly what happened when a recent Reddit post of a Sydney traffic light intersection sparked some heated conversations on the forum website - all based on one small detail…

If you look closely at the picture below, you'll notice that the front cars are leaving a car-length space between them and the white line. It's definitely a bizarre habit that we've never heard of before!

While the user admitted they're not really sure why they do this, they seemed interested to know if they're the only ones doing it. 'What's the advantage of stopping a car length behind the white line…' they asked. 'Or am I a habitual “line stepper”?'

View attachment 10778

A driver noticed his fellow drivers leave a car-length space between them and the white line at the intersection. Credit: Reddit.

The general consensus seemed to be that this particular habit was actually unnecessary since it caused the intersection sensors to fail to detect the cars - thus delaying the lights for other drivers behind them.

'The advantage of stopping an entire car length or more behind the actual line is that it immediately identifies you as a moron,' one user jokingly commented on the post.

Of course, the comments weren't all bad - some users had perfectly reasonable explanations for the unusual road habit.

'Some people do it to get a rolling start when the other direction goes red so they can get in front,' another user suggested. 'Others believe it gives room to make sure other drivers aren't about to run the red and hit you from the other side of the intersection.'

According to the NSW Road User Handbook, even though it's important to maintain a 'three-second stopping gap' between the vehicle in front of you, drivers must stop as close to the line as they can to prevent accidents or collisions.

Here's how to calculate your three-second stopping gap (crash avoidance space) when driving:

1. Select an object or mark on the left-hand side of the road, for example, a power pole, tree or sign.
2. As the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes this object, count 3 seconds ('1 thousand and 1, 2 thousand and 2, 3 thousand and 3').
3. If your vehicle passes the object after you've finished counting, this is enough crash avoidance space.

If you drive past the object before you reach the end of the count, you're following too closely; reduce your speed and try again until you have at least a three-second buffer between your car and the one in front of you.

Credit: Transport for NSW.​

So, members, it looks like you're the judge on this one. What do you think? Why do some people do this? Let us know in the comments if you have any thoughts we can add!

As always, stay alert on the roads and drive safely!

If they pull up to that white line then they are beyond the traffic light. The line is in the wrong place!!!!

 

[DavidEsplin]

I always get as close to the white line as possible but wait about 3 seconds before moving off in case of red- light runners.

3 seconds? You must get a lot of people honking you. Instead of waiting, look left and right, just like you would do at a stop sign. This only takes a second.

 

[DavidEsplin]

It's so annoying when they leave all that room. Seems to be a fairly recent phenomenon, as if an entire generation has been taught by driving instructors to stop when their bonnet aligns with the line on the road.

 

[Macarj]

Increasingly I have noticed this phenomenon occurring. My take on it is that, if you’re rear-ended while waiting at a traffic-light controlled intersection, it will allow your car to be prevented from being shunted into the intersection. However, as has been pointed out, stopping so far behind the marked lines prevents the traffic control sensors from being activated, which is very frustrating. The another annoying very common habit is for drivers to stop across the pedestrian crossing lines at traffic lights. The rule is to stop just behind the first line you encounter, allowing any pedestrians to cross in relative safety. How does stopping a couple of feet into the crossing advantage anyone? Grrrr!

Just need to keep your foot on brake if someone rear ends you you won't get pushed into traffic

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Having been reminded, on a recent trip from FNQ into Greater Sydney, of what a bunch of entitled, selfish mongreloids Sydney drivers are, with their almost total lack of skill, courtesy and attention, I can understand other drivers' reticence regarding moving right up to the line. Not triggering the traffic signals, though, does seem counter-productive. Could it be a modern, but ever-so-subtle, method for boy-racer 'staging' ever-closer-and-closer to the triggering line, ahead of the drivers of adjacent vehicles challenging each other to a street-drag? i.e., control/delay the light turning green before planting the accelerator?

 

[Bridiecat]

Driving can be difficult enough for some, even without all the extra complications - traffic lights, roadworks, heavy traffic, 'hidden' road laws, and yes, even other drivers.

That's exactly what happened when a recent Reddit post of a Sydney traffic light intersection sparked some heated conversations on the forum website - all based on one small detail…

If you look closely at the picture below, you'll notice that the front cars are leaving a car-length space between them and the white line. It's definitely a bizarre habit that we've never heard of before!

While the user admitted they're not really sure why they do this, they seemed interested to know if they're the only ones doing it. 'What's the advantage of stopping a car length behind the white line…' they asked. 'Or am I a habitual “line stepper”?'

View attachment 10778

A driver noticed his fellow drivers leave a car-length space between them and the white line at the intersection. Credit: Reddit.

The general consensus seemed to be that this particular habit was actually unnecessary since it caused the intersection sensors to fail to detect the cars - thus delaying the lights for other drivers behind them.

'The advantage of stopping an entire car length or more behind the actual line is that it immediately identifies you as a moron,' one user jokingly commented on the post.

Of course, the comments weren't all bad - some users had perfectly reasonable explanations for the unusual road habit.

'Some people do it to get a rolling start when the other direction goes red so they can get in front,' another user suggested. 'Others believe it gives room to make sure other drivers aren't about to run the red and hit you from the other side of the intersection.'

According to the NSW Road User Handbook, even though it's important to maintain a 'three-second stopping gap' between the vehicle in front of you, drivers must stop as close to the line as they can to prevent accidents or collisions.

Here's how to calculate your three-second stopping gap (crash avoidance space) when driving:

1. Select an object or mark on the left-hand side of the road, for example, a power pole, tree or sign.
2. As the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes this object, count 3 seconds ('1 thousand and 1, 2 thousand and 2, 3 thousand and 3').
3. If your vehicle passes the object after you've finished counting, this is enough crash avoidance space.

If you drive past the object before you reach the end of the count, you're following too closely; reduce your speed and try again until you have at least a three-second buffer between your car and the one in front of you.

Credit: Transport for NSW.​

So, members, it looks like you're the judge on this one. What do you think? Why do some people do this? Let us know in the comments if you have any thoughts we can add!

As always, stay alert on the roads and drive safely!

Bizarre..who does that surely its illegal

 

[Defiant540]

I always get as close to the white line as possible but wait about 3 seconds before moving off in case of red- light runners.

exactly! I was hit by a red light runner, didn't see it for a car on my right hand side! Policeman kindly informed me if I was a little bit further forward I wouldn't be here to talk about it (guy was speeding to beat the red light!