Can anyone explain why a lot of drivers stop a car length from the white line at traffic lights? Totally baffles me, but so many drivers do it I thought there must be a reason.
 
No idea. Maybe making room for cyclists to come through ? like when there is a green box for them at the front of the lane.

Anyone know why most drivers seem to think that pedestrian crossings are optional for them to stop at ? Or when they do stop then it's required for them to set off while people are still on the crossing nearly clipping their heels ?
 
No, just an ordinary set of traffic lights, no cyclist box. They just stop way before the white line. Doesn't really matter, just curious.
 
I know the vast majority of you Jocks are alcoholics but do not try to drag us english into your way of life lol, we do not need to be constantly ----ed to chill out.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Its Rab C Nesbit, not Rob
There can be any reason to stop a length before the actual stop line at lights:
Better view of the road ahead.
Better view of possible pedestrians close by.
Timing of driving off. you can start moving forward on amber, but still behind the line.

I don't know for sure. but if that's all you worry about on a Saturday night, YOU are the one that needs a drink
 
perhaps they are worried that some nutcase in a Subaru with a dashcam will come round the corner. :D:D:D:D
 
They may possibly be stopping on the detection loops to make sure their vehicle gets picked up. I'm sure some of the bikers here will be familiar with having to stop on the loops & rev :)
 
Pointed out to my sons a little observation I made
Until the evidence was shoved in front of their eyes they thought I was talking crap

99 out of 100 women will stop 3 -5 yards before the white line at a Tee junction :confused:
For some reason they will not ever approach that line

When you become aware of the phenomena, it becomes incredulous to watch women at a junction,theyhave no hope of seeing traffic flow,or when to pull out,there needs to have about 10 miles of no vehicles before they have any chance of pulling out confidently

Look out for this in future
 
It's not just the first car but often those behind it as well - they come to a stop a car length away from the vehicle in front, then shuffle forwards, creating a car length gap behind, so everyone else has to shuffle forwards.
I suggest some people find it difficult to judge where they should stop.
 
Can anyone explain why a lot of drivers stop a car length from the white line at traffic lights? Totally baffles me, but so many drivers do it I thought there must be a reason.
I got done for speeding last year, and my punishment was a safe driving course or 3 points and a fine, no contest really, they alsp explained that it is advisable if you are the first car to stop at the lights to stop a cars length back from the white line to allow emergency vehicles the room to get by, can't see the logic, but apparently it is advisable.
 
Was doing my RoSPA advanced driver training and they advise the Tyres and Tarmac way for when pulling up behind a vehicle as you need to see both and have room to manoeuvre, I tried to explain that in London if everyone drove that way then the congestion would be far worse then it already is.
 
In their defence I'm doing a bit of driving for a supermarket. And often when I'm having to squeeze a 26t lorry through a small junction the room is very welcome.
 
Pointed out to my sons a little observation I made
Until the evidence was shoved in front of their eyes they thought I was talking crap

99 out of 100 women will stop 3 -5 yards before the white line at a Tee junction :confused:
For some reason they will not ever approach that line

When you become aware of the phenomena, it becomes incredulous to watch women at a junction,theyhave no hope of seeing traffic flow,or when to pull out,there needs to have about 10 miles of no vehicles before they have any chance of pulling out confidently

Look out for this in future

Unless they are BMW drivers, then apparently it's compulsory to put the first 2 foot of your car over the line
 
with audi drivers it's 4ft.
 
I see more vehicles jumping red lights every day.... Very dangerous.

I've only ever seen 2 people jump red lights, people not staying within the white lines, speeding and being on their phones are a more common sight for me. I nearly smacked into a BMW driven by someone on their phone the other day who pulled out on me.
 
Don't get me wrong. I think BMW are really nice cars... It's just a pity about the muppets that drive them..
 
Can anyone explain why a lot of drivers stop a car length from the white line at traffic lights? Totally baffles me, but so many drivers do it I thought there must be a reason.
It’s to allow motorcycles to get in front without crossing the white line.
 
No idea. Maybe making room for cyclists to come through ? like when there is a green box for them at the front of the lane.

Anyone know why most drivers seem to think that pedestrian crossings are optional for them to stop at ? Or when they do stop then it's required for them to set off while people are still on the crossing nearly clipping their heels ?
i had back of my boot run over by a bloke in a van after me and my mate crossed just after the red was changing, what he didnt bargain for was the next red light just 50 yards up the road!

i wasnt hurt in anyway , threw my bags of shopping to my mate and took off like a gazelle after the van, was very very busy with people, main police station just 100/200 yards to the right lol, i did catch the guy but far too many witnesses to do what i wanted to do... so i just made sure the driver knew that if i do have a boring weekend i knew his reg number and company he worked for, so could just show up for a fight without warning, keep him on his toes eh
 
Don't get me wrong. I think BMW are really nice cars... It's just a pity about the muppets that drive them..
Mine,
E30 Garage.jpg
 
Still no logicsl answers. Ah well.

The logical answer came back in #25, concerning an advanced driving course.

I find traffic lights at roadworks don't always follow a set standard. The "stop here" sign being so close to the lights, you cant negotiate around without flattening the first few cones (normally buses do this)

When I was in New Zealand in December, there was a lot of roadworks in process, but just used stop/go signs operated by female workers.
Always friendly. always waved at passing motorists. Always wore their hi vis vests in a crop top fashion.
 
The logical answer came back in #25, concerning an advanced driving course.

I find traffic lights at roadworks don't always follow a set standard. The "stop here" sign being so close to the lights, you cant negotiate around without flattening the first few cones (normally buses do this)

When I was in New Zealand in December, there was a lot of roadworks in process, but just used stop/go signs operated by female workers.
Always friendly. always waved at passing motorists. Always wore their hi vis vests in a crop top fashion.
new zealand?
 

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Green 2 Go Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses Heating 2 Go
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc

Advert

Daily, weekly or monthly email

Thread starter

Joined
Location
Cumbria
If you're a qualified, trainee, or retired electrician - Which country is it that your work will be / is / was aimed at?
United Kingdom
What type of forum member are you?
Retired Electrician

Thread Information

Title
Stopping at traffic lights
Prefix
N/A
Forum
Electrician Talk Forum
Start date
Last reply date
Replies
92

Thread Tags

Tags Tags
lights

Advert

Thread statistics

Created
Percyprod,
Last reply from
pirate,
Replies
92
Views
7,730

Advert

Back
Top