Rubbernecking describes the act of gazing at something of interest. In the driving sense rubbernecking refers to drivers slowing down to view a traffic accident or something unusual.
Research has shown that rubbernecking can in turn contribute to other road traffic accidents. It can also cause huge delays as traffic flow is affected. Drivers will then often find that once they have passed the accident the road is clear and many drivers then take this opportunity to speed in order to make up time. This of course is something else resulting from rubbernecking that could lead to an accident.
It is human nature to be curious so it is not just drivers who want to view the aftermath of an accident but also tourists who are interested in sights that are new or unusual. However, it’s a dangerous act and its often disrespectful especially if the accident involved a fatality.
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