The inductive loops is there for a reason, Lady

November 5, 2008 5:44 PM

So what's the deal with people who leave several car lengths in front of them between their car and the actual white painted line for the light up ahead. Are they afraid of the induction loops? And the possibility that the light may actually change? Or are they asking God to intervene and change the light for them without actually pulling up to the part that triggers the light? This is becoming more and more frequent and I just want to know what's going on.
posted by moof to Travel & Transportation (6 answers total)

Confirmation bias. I feel the same way about asshole cab drivers that stop halfway into the intersection, 12 feet past the stop line and totally blocking the sidewalk.
posted by Inspector.Gadget at 5:51 PM on November 5, 2008

they are not paying attention. we have cameras instead of buried "loops"
posted by patnok at 5:52 PM on November 5, 2008

In my city they're switching over to deduction loops, which seem to prevent this problem.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 5:56 PM on November 5, 2008 [1 favorite]

I've found the exact opposite, actually: people who pull way past the line. Which probably just confirms [heh] Inspector.Gadget's theory.
posted by fogster at 6:03 PM on November 5, 2008

I've seen that happen when someone at the head of the line turns right on red; I presume the person just behind has a manual transmission.
posted by jamjam at 6:21 PM on November 5, 2008

I pull up short if I'm in the leftmost lane. Why? Around here, people love to blow through a red light if they're turning left. And they love to cut corners so they can get through quicker. Nothing like hearing a shink! as some asshat on a cellphone nicks your bumper while your light is green.

Also, in certain spots, the lights won't switch if you're too far up. I've had to roll backwards a few times to get the light going.
posted by adipocere at 6:23 PM on November 5, 2008