New Jersey Pet Peeve Of The Week – The Close The Gap Driver

Some things bother New Jerseyans, and they quickly become pet peeves. This week's edition - the "close the gap driver".

New Jersey Pet Peeve - The "Close The Gap Driver"

There are an endless number of pet peeves you can pluck from the New Jersey experience we call driving. Each day brings another jaw-dropping moment of "did that person really do that?"

From that abundant pool of topics, I have chosen one to be this week's New Jersey Pet Peeve of the Week. We're calling it the "close the gap driver".

If you don't know what the "close the gap driver" is, it's the person who has left an appropriate amount of space between his car and the car in front of him, until he realizes you are trying to get in front of him. Then he does his thing.

One Of New Jersey's Worst Driving Habits

The "close the gap" driver will instantly attempt to get right up against the car in front of him, making it impossible for you to slide into that space. Why?

I need to know why that 7 feet of space is so important to this guy. What are you accomplishing with that move?

My best guess is the gap closer finds a weird satisfaction in being in front of you, which sounds to me like a good sign you're dealing with a control freak.

A Major New Jersey Pet Peeve

Long-time New Jersey drivers tell me that while gap closing is not the most dangerous bad driving habit in the Garden State, it is among the most annoying.

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It has mean overtones and accomplishes nothing for either driver literally. Here's what I think. If you know, deep down, that you are a gap closer,  you have to strive to do better. Be nicer on the roads. You may be surprised how good it makes you feel.