Alfa Romeo Forum banner

The Tail-End-Charlie Gap

1K views 21 replies 11 participants last post by  symon 
#1 ·
Whenever I join an unexpected queue of traffic (Jam, roadwork lights etc) especially on blind bends etc
I always leave about a car's length between me and the car in front.
My reasoning being if someone slams into me at least I won't concertina into the car in front.

My rant is about cars behind that always seems to need to be 3" off my rear when they join the end
of the line. And if I edge forward, they too edge forward to close the gap.

WHY!?!?!?! :rant: :mad:


(Am I being too sensitive? :confused:)
 
#3 ·
Last weekend coming back from the NEC the police were shutting the M60 just as we got onto it. I could actually see the front of the queue and the police car maybe 100 yards ahead. I was quite happy to just shut the car off and wait but no. We spent everyone spent the next ten minutes shuffling forward even though there was clearly nowhere to go. I think the logic is that every few inches gets you nearer to home.
 
#5 ·
Since i got rear ended (ooh matron) whilst stationary in heavy traffic on the A102m blackwall tunnel approach i also leave a decent size gap.The hyundai company car that hit me required a new front bumper,headlamp and spotlamps but thanks to a towbar my rear end was unscathed ;):thumbup:
 
#7 ·
I hate being the last car in a queue, especially on a higher speed limit road. You just know someone not concentrating can easily slam into the back of you
 
#12 ·
My driving instructor (ex police) taught me to stop where I was able to see the rear tyres of the car in front. Then if you need to pull out for a u turn or pass there is plenty of space to manoeuver.
 
#13 ·
Lets say you can see the vehicle approaching behind you, you can see the driver is looking downwards like he's reading something. You know he is unlikely to stop before rear-ending you. You put the car in gear and get out of the way of the oncoming vehicle but the car immediately in front of you gets the full impact. That car had a couple, two children and a dog in it. Should you have moved the car or got out of the car to get clear, leaving your car to take the impact and possibly saving lives in the car in front of you?
 
#14 ·
I don't think you would have the time to weigh all that up. It is likely you would either move if you had time or brace yourself if not.

The occupants in the other car probably wouldn't even enter your mind.
 
#17 ·
Modern cars are built to take impact with the fronts
crumpling to absorb/dissipate the energy of impact.

I reckon you'd be doing them a favour by taking the hit
up your rear and you going into them as both the guy
causing the accident and your cars' front would crumple
cushioning the impact twice as well as just the accident
causer going straight into the other car.


What was the question again...? :confused:
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top