Yeah, I mean, why aren't they bumper to bumper waiting at the light like they should be?
Seriously, why does it matter? Having a small left turn lane, possibly, or maybe on a busy stream with a small space between intersections, but come on, wanting stopped cars at a light to be closer to each other is quite silly. In fact, I generally leave extra room so that I can get up to speed faster while still keeping my distance from the car in front of me.
Pet peeves are supposed to be silly, aren't they?
There are a few reasons why it does matter. One is what Moevilini mentions, when they make it impossible to get to the left turn lane. Another is anytime traffic is heavy the more spread out the cars are the bigger the chance that you're blocking people trying to turn onto that road or even blocking the previous intersection. I live right next to a busy shopping center. In order to leave my neighborhood I have to turn at an intersection that feeds the shopping center. People not getting in there tight means that my intersection gets blocked and that I can't get into the lane I need once I turn.
But why it's a pet peeve of mine is that it's sloppy. I think many of the people have no idea where the front of their car is. They think they have to be back as far as they are. I don't like relaxed drivers. I don't like cautious drivers. I don't like unconfident drivers. I want people behind the wheel to mean business and drive like they've got somewhere to go.
I already owned up to being a jackass behind the wheel. I wasn't kidding.
I also hate when people turn buy grabbing the wheel underhanded, with their wrist/forearm inside the wheel. One, it is less safe because the wheel may turn suddenly if you hit a curb or large object and could throw your hand off the wheel. It also reduces the fine control you have over the wheel. Hands gripping the outside of the wheel is far more graceful. It also makes it look like turning the wheel is really difficult for you so you have to grip it that way to get enough leverage.
I also hate when people begin to slow down in the traffic lane before they move into the turn lane. Move into the turn lane and THEN start slowing down. I'm not talking about coasting a bit before you start to move, I'm talking about considerable braking.
I've said before that I wish there were two sets of roads. One for people who love driving, are committed to staying off the phone while they drive and who like to go fast. The other for teenagers, grandmas, kindergarten teachers and people who have no depth perception.