Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

McMullen-Booth headache wasn't as bad as expected

By LORRIE LYKINS
Published June 10, 2007

Here's a breath of fresh air: a road construction project that wrapped up ahead of schedule. Way ahead of schedule. The May 25 closing of McMullen-Booth Road just north of Ruth Eckerd Hall and south of State Road 590, to allow for improvements to the CSX railroad crossing and the adjacent roadway, was projected to last about three weeks.

The work progressed so quickly, however, that Pinellas County Public Works reopened the road at noon Thursday. Officials said that several factors had a hand: good weather, cooperation between the contractors and county workers, assistance in routing traffic from the advanced traffic management system/intelligent transportation system and help from law enforcement.

How many car lengths?

Last week's query from reader Dave Highlands about drivers stopping one to five car lengths behind vehicles in front of them at red lights - often blocking vehicles behind them from accessing turn lanes - initiated a flurry of e-mails and phone calls.

To recap, Dave pleaded: "Please explain the penchant Florida drivers have for stopping at red lights one to five car lengths behind the car in front of them. ... Since so many are guilty of doing this, I have to assume they are taught to do it. The question is: Why?"

We asked for your thoughts. Here's a small sample:

From "Anonymous and currently undergoing duress": "Recently I was asking myself this same question while waiting at a red light, so I edged up closer to the vehicle in front of me. As the light turned green, traffic did not start immediately. I must have taken my foot off the brake, preparing to go, although I have no awareness of having done this. Well, imagine my surprise when the front bumper of my car made contact with the rear bumper of the vehicle in front of me. This experiment cost me a traffic ticket and the cost of taking the safe driving course, $1, 000 to replace my front bumper and a lawsuit from the driver in front who claims injury. I have rejoined those who keep large distances between vehicles at stop lights."

From "St. Pete Beach": "I leave plenty of space in front of me at red lights so that the next time some idiot hits me from behind when I'm stopped at a red light, there will be less of a chance for my car to be pushed into the one in front of me."

From Becky Jamin: "I sympathize with missing the turn signal and all but, having been taught to drive by my mother, who also attended defensive driving classes with me, I was taught to leave one car length between you and the car in front of you. The reason for this is so that if someone hits you from behind, you won't be pushed into the car ahead of you. Rear end collisions are becoming more common, so I still leave one car length in front of me."

From Cheryl Hall: "I am so glad there is someone else out there that has a problem with drivers needing to stop several car lengths behind the car in front of them! This has been a problem with me for a long time. I not only have to sit through a couple of lights, but watch as people try to 'climb' the left turn lane curbs and/or median to try and make the light."

From Elizabeth Jarrett: "I drive a small car and when I get too close to a larger vehicle in front of me, I can't see the traffic light so I leave just enough space to see either over the roof of the car ahead or through the windows. The further back (three to six vehicles), the more space needed. I can actually get closer when looking through the windows."

From Sandro Mazzocato: "The reason I leave room in front of me is the fear of being rear-ended by someone too busy talking on a cell phone and eating lunch to be aware of the skills required to navigate the roads."

Thanks for all of your e-mails. Until next week, happy and safe motoring!

Please share your traffic concerns, comments and questions with Dr. Delay via e-mail at docdelay@yahoo.com.

[Last modified June 9, 2007, 21:03:10]