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A comment on Do drivers who keep gaps in stop-and-go traffic worsen it? (2012). Parent comment

Re:Do drivers who keep gaps in stop-and-go traffic worsen it... by jameslk on Tuesday December 08, 2015 @07:13PM (#10700864)
I can't remember the last time I was happy sitting in traffic, or feeling empathetic. If I have to slam on my brakes because others are feeling particularly opportunistic, it will only lead to cynicism.
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Re:Do drivers who keep gaps in stop-and-go traffic worsen it... by firebones on Tuesday December 08, 2015 @07:40PM (#10701016)
When I maintain gaps, it's not empathy; at best it is a smug feeling of maintaining a better risk management profile than the person deciding to cut.

I long ago gave up viewing driving as an adversarial activity. Slamming on the brakes means I'm not maintaining a safe distance or speed. Any pent up frustration or anger I harbor is reserved for the sap that caused the accident up ahead that slowed everyone down in the first place.

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Re:Do drivers who keep gaps in stop-and-go traffic worsen it... by nostrademons on Tuesday December 08, 2015 @08:03PM (#10701130)
For me, it's not empathy. It's gas mileage. I burn a whole lot less gas when I'm coasting in 2nd gear than when I have to come to a dead stop, accelerate, step on the brakes again, etc.

I've found that usually people who will cut in front of a gap accelerate pretty quick - after all, they're hopping lanes so they can do that. I rarely need to slow down for them, although occasionally some asshole will misjudge distance & speed.

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