Doug helps Dr. Gridlock

....Reader Anna C. Martin of Falls Church asked why drivers sometimes stop two or three car lengths from the vehicle in front of them at stoplights. "I find this disconcerting and dangerous," she wrote. "What is the philosophy of this?"

I didn't know and asked the audience. There's no shortage of helpful answers....

Dear Dr. Gridlock:

In response to Anna C. Martin of Falls Church: The reason the gap is not closed (1 1/2 to two car lengths should be sufficient) is because the driver of the second car is doing two things.

First, should there be an incident three, four or five cars back and the driver of the second car reacts quickly and safely, he/she should be able to get out of the way.

Second, should the car in front become disabled, you have enough room to go forward and around the car, thus preventing a traffic backup.

Doug Folks
Mechanicsville