Why do people stagger their vehicles at red lights?

Question

I notice this everday. When I stop at a stop light, particularly if I am front in line, the vehicles directly next to me do not pull up even with me. They will either pull a little forward or stay a little behind; as if not to make eye contact. Have you noticed this? What are your thoughts on this?

Answer 1

I noticed this too

I've seen people pull up to a light and stop 2 car lengths behind the limit line

and it drives me CRAZY!!

Especially when I'm walking or riding my bike

Answer 2

Probably just where their car stopped. I usually pull up to the line not to where the person next to me stopped.

Answer 3

People just stop where they feel their cars are behind the line ... and every car is a little different.  Sometimes people want to feel like they're a little ahead of the driver next to them (to beat them into the intersection) ... other times, they like to hang back a little (let you go first in case some idiot runs the light going the other way - they don't want to be the first car out there).

There's no rule (other than stopping "at the intersection") for exactly how close they have to be to the line.

Answer 4

It's rude to stare and I hate being stared at. Unless it's a cute girl or something....I stagger.

Answer 5

Yes, I have noticed this many times, I think it mightbe because no all cas push the brakes at the same time

Answer 6

Nobody wants to look at someone the wrong way  these days, you good get shot.