What is Rubbernecking?

“Rubbernecking” is a hazardous driving behavior that occurs when a driver excessively diverts their attention from the road, often turning their head so far to observe something that it gives the impression their neck is as flexible as rubber. There are many ways to “rubberneck,” and all of them are extremely dangerous. Rubbernecking can cause the driver to slow down, swerve, or even stop suddenly, which can lead to a chain reaction of accidents.
Why a Driver Might Rubberneck
Not very many people stretch their necks simply for relaxation while driving–there is usually some attraction that captures the driver’s attention. Below is a list of some of the most common attractions:
- Car accidents, especially ones that produce catastrophic injuries and fatalities;
- Fires, especially when a car is on fire in the opposing lane of traffic;
- Construction zones, especially if something unusual is going on;
- A police traffic stop, especially DUI stops where the driver is taking a field sobriety test (trying to walk in a straight line, for example);
- Classic cars or race cars driving on public roads;
- Disabled vehicles on the shoulder of the road;
- Police cars approaching with sirens blaring;
- Animals approaching the road;
- Beautiful scenic views, especially at sunrise or sunset;
- Billboards with racy, suggestive, or humorous messages;
- A celebrity or someone who looks like a celebrity;
- Low-flying aircraft;
- Vehicles driving erratically;
- Ambulances; and
- Parades, funerals, and wedding processions.
In some of the foregoing cases, keeping an eye on the object of your distraction is a good idea (an ambulance approaching behind you, for example). Just rely on your rear-view mirror as much as possible, and don’t forget to watch the road in front of you.
There hasn’t been much research on rubbernecking. One 2003 US study indicated that about 16% of distracted driving accidents were rubbernecking-related.
Legal Aspect: Distracted Driving
Rubbernecking is a form of distracted driving, which is now illegal in every US state. For context, below is a list of causes of distracted driving, not including rubbernecking incidents:
- Talking on your smartphone;
- Texting while driving;
- Eating or drinking;
- Adjusting the radio or climate controls;
- Talking to passengers;
- Applying makeup or grooming;
- Reaching for an object in the car; or
- Reading a map or GPS device.
Numerous studies have indicated that distracted driving is more dangerous than intoxicated driving.
Legal Aspect: Insurance Rates
Rubbernecking is expensive, at least in the long run. Not only might you suffer personal injury expenses, but your insurance rates might go up after an accident. Rubbernecking frequently causes rear-ending accidents. Insurance companies reason that sooner or later, a driver who is always rear-ending things will rear-end a person, and that costs a lot of money.
Psychological Aspect: Morbid Curiosity
Rubbernecking behavior often occurs at the scene of injury accidents due to a combination of curiosity, shock, and the human tendency to focus on unusual or dramatic events. The more severe or gruesome the accident, the stronger the urge to look, as people are drawn to situations that evoke strong emotions or a sense of danger. Unfortunately, this behavior can lead to distractions that increase the risk of additional accidents. It’s crucial to resist this impulse while driving; prioritize safety and keep your focus on the road.
Talk to a Lawyer
If you suffer an injury in a rubbernecking-related accident, safety and medical treatment should be your twin first priorities. Gathering evidence (by taking photos at the side of the road, for example) might be your second priority. Once you have ensured safety, gotten medical care, and gathered evidence, consider speaking with an Alabama personal injury lawyer.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation.
Contact the Alabama Personal Injury Attorneys at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers. Call us at (205) 206-5088
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We serve Shelby County, Madison County, Montgomery County in Alabama, and its surrounding areas.
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Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Birmingham Office
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Birmingham, AL 35213
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Hunstville, AL, 35801
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Montgomery, AL 36104
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