We’ve all been there. You’re driving, and suddenly, you stumble across a car accident. It’s normal to want to stop, glance, and see what’s going on. You may even be inclined to slow down and crane your neck to see what is happening. However, this action, known as rubbernecking, can create more issues for drivers on the road, i.e., hazardous ones! While it may seem innocuous, rubbernecking can lead to more traffic jams or even new car accidents. To properly understand how to prevent rubbernecking, it’s best to know exactly what it is and why it’s a dangerous driving distraction for everyone involved.
What is Rubbernecking?
Rubbernecking refers to drivers looking at something other than the road, generally a disturbance. There are numerous reasons someone may be curious enough to slow down and look at something other than what’s ahead. Generally, the term rubbernecking refers to drivers slowing down to look at car accidents, especially multi-vehicle collisions where emergency vehicles are on the scene. However, there are many reasons a driver may be distracted. Some examples of these include:
- Car accidents
- Flashing lights on police cars, tow trucks, or any other first-responder vehicles
- People standing or walking
- Landscapes
- Wildlife or other animals
Let’s face it: Humans naturally want to be interested in the disturbances or events in other people’s lives. This term is often called “morbid curiosity,” as many people may be shocked or frightened by an accident scene, yet find themselves unable to look away.
Why is Rubbernecking Dangerous?
In Canada, rubbernecking is considered a form of distracted driving. Though it’s not explicitly outlawed, it significantly reduces a driver’s focus on the road. This can increase the risk of accidents. Drivers who engage in rubbernecking will often slow down as they become distracted. When this happens, they become an obstacle to those around them who are still travelling at normal speeds. At the same time, they may cause rear-end collisions, as they may fail to see any traffic slowing down in front of them while looking at the distraction.
Overall, rubbernecking is a major problem throughout the country and one of the leading causes of traffic jams. When a car crash occurs, traffic will pile up as drivers slow down to examine the scene.
What are the Legal Consequences of Rubbernecking?
Since rubbernecking is considered a form of distracted driving, you can expect to face consequences if caught doing so. This means that, depending on your licence level and driving record, you may face hefty consequences. A first distracted driving offence in Ontario now carries a fine of $615 to $1,000, three demerit points, and a license suspension of three days. For a second offence, the fine can be as high as $2,000, along with six demerit points, and a license suspension of seven days.
How to Avoid Rubbernecking on the Road
Knowing the correct practices to avoid rubbernecking is a great way to keep yourself (and those around you) safe on the road. Even if others on the road are slowing down to look at a crash site or other distraction, you can avoid becoming part of the problem by refusing to rubberneck!
Please keep an eye on the road.
It is important not to let anything, whether inside or outside of your vehicle, distract you from the road. When you’re behind the wheel, your only job is to get yourself and any passengers to your destination safely! By keeping your eyes on the road at all times, you can ensure this. Please don’t use your cellphone or fiddle with your GPS.
If you see an accident or sirens in the distance, anticipate that cars around you may be slowing down as you pass the accident scene. With this in mind, watch for brake lights and drivers who may become distracted. If you have to slow down quickly, use your hazard lights so that you can properly communicate this to other motorists.
Involved in an Accident Due to Rubbernecking?
Like any accident, you’re going to want to take the necessary safety protocol and steps. You can easily file an insurance claim afterwards. For a full breakdown on what to do in a car accident, check out our article on the topic. In the meantime, let’s briefly go through the necessary steps you should take if involved in a rubbernecking accident:
1. Check for any injuries
Immediately after any accident, you will want to make sure you or your passengers aren’t injured. Additionally, check that those in any other vehicles are okay. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
2. Call the police
Even if nobody involved needs medical attention, it is essential to contact the police and report the accident. Call a local non-emergency line and inform them of the accident. If the damage exceeds $5,000, they will dispatch an officer to the scene. The officer will then take the necessary steps by asking you and any others about the accident.
3. Take notes and photos of the accident scene
If it is safe to do so, get out of your vehicle. Suppose you have access to a digital camera or a cellphone. In that case, you should take pictures of your vehicle, all other cars involved, the accident scene, and any debris on the road or weather conditions. This should be done while you wait for the police to arrive at the scene.
4. Exchange information with the other driver
One, it is safe to do so, to exchange information with the other driver involved professionally. You are going to want to grab the following information from them:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle make, model, and colour
- Registered owner of the vehicle (as it could be different from the driver)
- Damage to their vehicle
- Vehicle Information Number (VIN)
- Insurance company
- Insurance policy number & expiry
- Number of passengers in the car
- Names of the passengers and their positions in the car at the time of the accident (e.g., rear driver’s side)
- If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and contact details as well
5. Contact your insurance provider or isure broker
Once the dust has settled and you are safe and sound, it is time to contact your insurance provider. Let them know what happened and ask them what your next steps are. You should submit a report within seven days of the accident, though submitting within 24 hours is recommended. Make sure you have the following information ready for your provider:
- Insurance information
- Information for your car
- Accident details
- Other driver’s information that you collected at the scene
- Information on the reporting officer
Rubbernecking: Final Thoughts
Remember, keeping everybody safe on the road is critical. It is also critical to have an insurance policy that fits your needs. Remember, if you’re in the market for an insurance provider, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at isure! Contact us or request a quote today and let an isure representative find a policy that suits you.
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