Rubbernecking Can Result In Serious Accidents
Almost every driver is guilty of rubbernecking. Unfortunately, rubbernecking can cause serious accidents. Rubbernecking is a form of distracted driving that entails a driver taking their eyes and mind off the task of driving. And when a driver takes their mind and eyes off the task of driving even for a few seconds, they increase the likelihood of an accident. While curiosity is natural, it is vital that you do your best to stay focused on the task of driving whenever you’re on the road. It is crucial that you avoid rubbernecking and any other forms of distracted driving behavior while driving.
What Is Rubbernecking?
So, what exactly is rubbernecking? This is a slang term for when a motorist takes their eyes off the road ahead to observe something as they drive past it. For example, when a driver stares at an accident at the side of the road while driving past it, they are said to be rubbernecking. Rubbernecking is a conscious decision a driver makes to observe something outside the car rather than focus on the road ahead.
Rubbernecking is a form of distracted driving behavior that carries huge risks for the person rubbernecking and other road users. Rubbernecking usually takes a driver’s mind and eyes off the road, thus creating a cognitive and visual distraction.
Unfortunately, many drivers are guilty of rubbernecking. To many, rubbernecking is not a problem because it only involves taking eyes off the road for a few seconds. Well, as it turns out, it only takes a few seconds for an accident to happen when a driver is distracted. In fact, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, removing your eyes from the road for just two seconds doubles the risk of an accident.
Accidents Caused by Rubbernecking
Rubbernecking can cause serious accidents. One common accident caused by rubbernecking is a rear-end collision. If a motorist takes their eyes off the road to, for example, look at an accident at the side of the road, they might end up hitting the car in front of them. Alternatively, if a driver slows down suddenly to look at an accident at the side of the road, the vehicle behind them might end up hitting them.
Rubbernecking can also result in a lane departure accident. This type of accident happens when a driver swerves out of their lane and travels either into another lane of traffic or off the road.
Additionally, rubbernecking can result in head-on collisions, multi-vehicle accidents, and T-bone accidents.
Your Rights After a Rubbernecking Accident
If you suffer severe injuries in an accident because of another driver who was rubbernecking, you may be entitled to compensation. This is because this behavior is usually considered negligent. Some of the damages you may be eligible to recover after a rubbernecking accident include, among many others;
- Medical expenses
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
Contact Us for Legal Help
Were you injured in a Florida motor vehicle accident because of a driver who was rubbernecking? If so, our Orlando personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you hold the at-fault party liable and recover the compensation you deserve. If the rubbernecking driver tries to get out of compensating you by placing blame on you, we can ensure you recover compensation even if you were partly to blame for your accident. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Tampa, Bradenton, Miami, Fort Myers, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale areas.
Resource:
cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/index.html#distraction-types
