Ralge wrote:"Tyres and tarmac" works:
- to encourage the driver behind to stay away from you (drivers on autopilot copy space ahead like sheep)
I know you're referring to vehicle spacing when in a stationary queue, but I've just picked that bit out because I wonder if it explains why I hardly ever seem to suffer from tailgaters.
There are times when a vehicle will catch me up and briefly follow at a very close distance, but then they almost invariably back off and leave a bigger gap, which I appreciate. Maybe they are noting that I have a fairly generous gap in front, and that I seldom need to brake in order to maintain that gap. It might be that even at the subconscious level they are noting this and finding it improves things for them too.
In any case, it is far more relaxing to have a generous gap to the vehicle in front, otherwise you can not divert your attention for a moment, in case they slow down suddenly and you find yourself involved in a shunt.