Ep. 27: Rubbernecking - The Traffic Jam You Can Control

Episode 27: Rubbernecking - The Traffic Jam You Can Control

Ever been stuck in traffic for miles only to discover there was no actual obstruction in your lane? That's rubbernecking in action—one of the most frustrating and completely avoidable causes of traffic jams.

In this episode, Randy Keith breaks down the psychology behind why we slow down to gawk at roadside incidents, even when they're not blocking traffic. You'll discover how this seemingly harmless behavior creates dangerous phantom jams, increases crash risks, and delays emergency response times.

What You'll Learn:

• The real definition of rubbernecking and its traffic impact
• Why our brains are hardwired to look at accidents and emergencies
• How rubbernecking contributes to 80% of crashes and 65% of near-crashes
• Why secondary crashes account for 20% of all freeway accidents
• Practical strategies to break the rubbernecking chain
• How to maintain safe following distances during incidents

Key Takeaway: Rubbernecking is a choice. You can either feed the traffic beast or help starve it by keeping your eyes forward and mind on your mission.

Resources: Visit DriveSmarterNow.com for video breakdowns showing how rubbernecking jams form from a driver's perspective.

Chapters

• 0:17 Introduction - Episode 27
• 0:50 What is Rubbernecking?
• 1:49 Why Do We Slow Down to Look?
• 2:56 Rubbernecking as a Cause of Accidents
• 4:20 Be a Part of the Solution: Here's How
• 5:40 Wrap-up

Transcript

Episode 27: Rubbernecking - The Traffic Jam You Can Control

🎙️ Intro Music (15 seconds, then fade)

Host Intro: Hey, it's Randy Keith — and welcome back to Mastering the Commute, your 6-minute traffic fix that helps you stay safer, calmer, and smarter behind the wheel.

🔥 Cold Open

Have you ever been stuck in traffic, crawling along for miles… only to find out there was no actual crash blocking your lane? You finally pass the scene, and all you see is a car on the shoulder and a bunch of people slowing down to stare.

That's rubbernecking — and it's one of the most frustrating, completely avoidable causes of traffic jams. Today, we're diving into why we do it, what it costs all of us, and how you can be part of the solution instead of the problem.

🧠 Segment 1: What Is Rubbernecking?

Rubbernecking — or as some people call it, looky-loo behavior, spectator slowing, or just plain gawking — is when drivers dramatically slow down to look at something happening on or near the road.

It doesn't matter if it's a crash, a stalled car, or even a routine traffic stop. The moment there's something to see, drivers instinctively hit the brakes. And here's the kicker: most of the time, whatever they're looking at isn't even blocking traffic.

But as each driver taps those brakes to take a peek, a ripple effect travels backward through traffic. Remember those phantom jams I talked about in Episode 3? This is exactly how they form — one unnecessary slowdown creates a wave of stop-and-go traffic that can stretch for miles.

It's especially dangerous on freeways with curves or limited visibility, where that sudden slowdown combined with poor sight lines dramatically increases your risk of rear-end crashes and pile-ups.

🚓 Segment 2: Why We Rubberneck

So why do we do this to ourselves and everyone else?

First, it's basic human curiosity. We're hardwired to pay attention to the unusual — flashing lights, bent metal, emergency crews moving fast. Our brains crave that information.

Second, it's fear-based learning. When we see a crash, part of us thinks, "That could've been me." We look because we want to understand what happened and reassure ourselves.

Third — and let's be honest here — for some people, it's entertainment. They can't resist seeing drama unfold, and some even try to film it.

But here's what really amplifies the problem: social behavior. When one driver slows down, others assume there's danger or something important to see. As I explained back in Episode 2 on social driving, we're heavily influenced by what others do around us. If one car slows, we all slow. It only takes a few people to create that wave stretching for miles behind.

🛑 Segment 3: The Real Cost of Rubbernecking

The effects are massive, and they go way beyond just wasting your time.

According to a 2014 Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study, driver distraction — including rubbernecking — was a factor in nearly 80% of crashes and 65% of near-crashes. When people suddenly slow down to gawk, it greatly increases the crash risk right behind them.

And those crashes? AAA says secondary crashes — accidents caused by the initial incident — account for about 20% of all freeway crashes. Many happen because drivers are looking instead of maintaining safe following distances.

But it gets worse. Rubbernecking delays emergency response. When drivers block lanes or slow unnecessarily, first responders can't reach the scene quickly. Those seconds can be the difference between life and death.

And here's something that'll really frustrate you: it doesn't stop at one side of the highway. Often, drivers going in the opposite direction slow down too, just out of curiosity. It can double or even triple the traffic impact zone from a single incident.

🚘 Segment 4: How to Break the Chain

Here's the good news: you can choose not to be part of the problem.

Maintain your speed as much as safely possible and stay alert. You should always be ready for sudden braking ahead, but avoid those unnecessary slowdowns.

Keep that safe following distance we've talked about in previous episodes. This gives you room to react smoothly and helps prevent chain-reaction braking.

If you absolutely must glance — and let's be real, we're all human — do it as briefly as possible, keep both hands on the wheel, and immediately shift your focus back to your own lane.

Don't film or take photos. Your main job as a driver is getting yourself and your passengers home safely, not documenting someone else's worst day. If you use a dashcam like I do, review that footage later when you're safely parked, not while you're moving at highway speeds.

Trust the emergency crews — they don't need an audience, they need space and time to work.

🏁 Wrap-Up & Call to Action

At the end of the day, rubbernecking is a choice. You can either feed the traffic beast or help starve it.

Every second you spend gawking is a second you're not helping traffic flow forward — and in some cases, your distraction might cost someone else their life.

Remember what I always say: you can't control other drivers, but you can control yourself. Keep your eyes forward, mind on your mission, and help everyone get home faster and safer.

👉 Want to see real examples of these rubbernecking zones from a driver's perspective? Head to DriveSmarterNow.com — I've got video breakdowns showing exactly how these jams form.

📲 If this episode helped you understand the real cost of rubbernecking, hit subscribe for more smart driving habits every Thursday. And share this with that friend who just can't resist peeking at every flashing light.

Thanks for joining me on Mastering the Commute. Eyes forward, mind on the mission — and I'll see you on the road.

Episode Length: Approximately 7-8 minutes Key Topics Covered: Rubbernecking definition, psychology, traffic impact, safety tips, call to action