What Is Rubbernecking While Driving?

You’ve likely seen it countless times on highways and city streets: traffic slowing to a crawl as drivers crane their necks to glimpse an accident scene, construction work, or anything unusual on the roadside. This behavior, known as rubbernecking, occurs when drivers divert their attention from the road ahead to observe something of interest. However, the momentary distraction of taking your eyes off the road presents serious dangers to yourself and others sharing the road.

The Dangers of Rubbernecking While Driving

Rubbernecking falls squarely into the category of distracted driving. It involves taking your eyes off the road (visual distraction) and your mind off the task of driving (cognitive distraction). These momentary lapses in attention increase your risk of causing an accident.

When you slow down to observe an accident or other scene on the road, you often fail to maintain proper distance from vehicles ahead of you. Those few seconds of distraction significantly reduce your reaction time and decision-making abilities. Rubbernecking also creates traffic congestion, which can increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions, and puts vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists at heightened risk due to your diminished awareness of their presence.

How to Avoid Rubbernecking While Driving

You can protect yourself and others by keeping your focus where it belongs—on the road ahead. You can counteract the impulse to rubberneck by following these tips:

• Keep your eyes moving and scan the road ahead rather than fixating on roadside distractions.
• Maintain a calm, focused mindset while driving, especially in areas with visible accidents or emergency vehicles.
• If you absolutely must look at an incident, limit yourself to a very quick glance before immediately refocusing on your driving.
• Drive defensively, anticipating that other drivers around you may be distracted by the same incident.
• Increase your following distance when approaching areas where rubbernecking is likely to occur.

What to Do If You Were Hit by a Rubbernecking Driver

If you have been involved in an accident caused by a rubbernecking driver, take immediate action to protect your health and legal rights. Call 911 as soon as possible to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Even if you feel fine initially, seek medical attention at the nearest hospital. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away and can become very dangerous without treatment.

Gather evidence at the scene if you are able, including photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, and contact information from witnesses. Once you have received medical care, contact an attorney right away. 

Utah operates under a no-fault accident system, meaning your own insurance typically covers your medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. However, you may step outside this no-fault system in cases involving serious injuries or substantial medical expenses. A knowledgeable attorney can help you decide which path is right for you. 

Discuss Your Next Steps with a Utah Car Accident Lawyer

After a rubbernecking accident, a car accident attorney in St. George can provide valuable support. Your lawyer will investigate the circumstances of your crash, gather evidence of the other driver’s negligence, handle communications with insurance companies, and much more. Schedule a free legal consultation today and learn how a Utah car accident attorney can help protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.