Objects in mirror are too damn close.

Not too long ago, I found myself in heavy traffic on my way home, near the first northbound Freeport exit on I-295. I was in the passing lane, and I could see that traffic was jammed up ahead of me, with everyone following the next car by no more than a single car length. I kept seeing flashing brake lights and suddenly realized that I didn't want to be in that lane. So, I moved over to the slow lane and opened up a nice healthy distance between myself and the car ahead of me. Far up ahead, I saw some quick movement and a sudden flare of brake lights. I could clearly see the ripple of cars slowing dramatically, but of course I had a better vantage point than all of those bumper-hugging, overstressed commuters in the 'fast' lane.

Sure enough, as the ripple compressed, people realized their mistake in following too close, but realized it too late. Cars started diving for the median or darting into the slow lane. Then, screeching tires, and...

BANG

One fender bender to my left. In fairness, I don't even think they bent their fenders - the following car nearly made the stop.

Ever since then, I've been studying following distance habits on the interstate. Basically, they are ridiculous. Travelling at 70 to 80 miles an hour, people are leaving maybe one car length between their car and the one ahead of them. They're counting on their quick reflexes and modern braking technology to save them, I imagine. When they're not talking on their cell phones, drinking their lattes, or turning to talk to their friends, anyway.

Three Seconds

That's the recommended following distance to make sure that you have enough time to react to events ahead of you. Go ahead and count it off the next time you're on the highway - it's a lot further than you think it is. So, I've tried it. And you know what? It's a lot more relaxing than trying to intimidate the car ahead of you into moving up to intimidate the car ahead of them into moving... you get the idea.