Have you ever been driving past an accident and noticed that all the drivers around you are slowing down and staring at the scene? If so, you’ve experienced rubbernecking. This dangerous behavior is a leading cause of car accidents, and its effects can be far-reaching. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what rubbernecking is, why drivers engage in it, and what you can do to avoid accidents caused by it.
WHAT IS RUBBERNECKING?
Rubbernecking is a dangerous habit that can cause accidents and delays on the road. The term refers to drivers who slow down or stop to look at incidents like accidents, roadblocks, or construction sites.
Focusing on the road and avoiding distractions is crucial to prevent rubbernecking. Additionally, pay attention to road signs and be aware of any upcoming construction or incidents that could cause delays.
Stay in your lane and avoid veering to get a better look at an incident. Your safety and the safety of others are always the top priority when driving, so stay alert and avoid rubbernecking at all costs.
5 Reasons Why Drivers Rubberneck
1. Curiosity
The most common reason we rubberneck is because of our natural interest. Drivers want to know what’s happening and whether anyone is hurt, causing us to slow down and look.
However, this is dangerous since it distracts us from focusing on the road ahead. Rubbernecking causes us to get into an accident because we’re too busy paying attention to what’s happening on the side of the road rather than the traffic in front of us.
2. Lack of information
Another reason for rubbernecking is a lack of information. If we see police cars, ambulances, or fire trucks parked on the side of the road, we might assume there’s an accident. But without knowing all the details, we might be curious about what happened.
3. Human nature
Part of our curiosity and fascination about accidents comes from our general interest in drama and trouble. We’re drawn to negative news and gossip, so the media often sensationalizes stories and grabs our attention with their headlines.
This is just like rubbernecking driving, where we are drawn to someone else’s misfortune or accident on the side of the road.
4. Unconscious behavior
Rubbernecking can also be an unconscious behavior because drivers do it without thinking. It’s like second nature to look over and see what’s going on, and we might not even think about how dangerous it is until it’s too late.
This unconscious behavior can be harmful and deadly, causing more rubbernecking driving accidents and putting everyone on the road at risk.
5. Peer pressure
Lastly, peer pressure can also contribute to rubbernecking. If a passenger in the car asks the driver to look or take a photo, it's easy to give in to the temptation to rubberneck, even though it’s dangerous.
RUBBERNECKING & CAR INSURANCE
Rubbernecking is a dangerous habit that can seriously affect your car insurance premiums. If you’re at fault for an accident caused by rubbernecking, your insurance rates will likely increase. What’s more, the level of severity of the accident will factor into how much your premiums are affected.
In the worst-case scenario, a rubbernecking accident can cause a denied insurance claim. That’s why it’s imperative to focus on the road ahead and avoid the temptation to gawk at accidents or other distractions. Not only will this safe driving habit prevent accidents, but it can also help keep your insurance premiums low.
What Should You Do If You’re Involved in an Accident Caused by Rubbernecking Driving?
If you’re involved in an accident caused by rubbernecking, you should check to see if everyone is okay. After all, taking the proper steps to protect your health and legal rights is crucial.
- First, call 911 immediately if anyone has been injured. Get medical treatment immediately, even if you don’t feel badly injured.- Second, take pictures to have proof to show your insurance company.
- If possible, move your car somewhere safe and out of traffic.
- Finally, report the accident to your insurance company and gather as much evidence as possible, including photos, witness statements, and police reports.
By following these steps, you can start to recover and protect yourself legally after a rubbernecking driving accident.
Rubbernecking is a dangerous behavior that can not only lead to serious car accidents but can also impact your car insurance premiums and result in denied insurance claims. Drivers should focus on the road ahead and avoid distractions to prevent rubbernecking. In an accident caused by rubbernecking, it’s vital to prioritize safety and contact the authorities as soon as possible. Remember, being a responsible and attentive driver is the best way to protect yourself and others.
If you need help finding the best car insurance coverage for the best price, start by speaking to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get an auto insurance quote online now.
