How to Avoid Rubbernecking on the Freeway

We have all seen it as we drive on our daily commutes to and from work. An amply moving freeway all-of-a-sudden becomes congested. Seemingly instantaneously, you are stuck in the muck of a traffic jam. You keep telling yourself there must be an accident, there must be something going on ahead; but by the time you reach the point where you were certain there would be a wreck, you notice that the lanes are clear. Somebody on the other side of the freeway had a minor accident. Once again, you have fallen victim to the other drivers' rubbernecking to get their glimpse of the car accident. (Rubbernecking is loosely defined as peering insensately at distractions as you drive on the freeway). The end result is a crammed freeway that moves very slowly as every single driver tries to get a look as they pass the wreckage. Avoid all that very easily by adhering to the following 4 rules.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Driver license
• Car
• Freeway
• Concentration

How to Avoid Rubbernecking on the Freeway

1. When you see traffic backing up, exit the freeway. Usually traffic backs up for a reason, even when the freeway is cluttered it will still move, but things like an accident back it up. If you see tons of congestion, you may be better off exiting the freeway and taking surface streets home.

2. If you see an accident happen, take a quick look and keep moving. If you see an accident occur and you are not involved, take your glance and keep moving.

3. Keep your eyes on the road. By rubbernecking for long periods, you are putting both yourself and other drivers at risk. Remember the first rule of driving, keep your eyes on the road.

4. Preview the traffic reports before leaving the office. To avoid rubbernecking at all, check out the live traffic reports online before heading out for your commute. If you are aware of any major wrecks avoid the freeways that they have occurred on.

Tips & Warnings

• Try a quick glance without slowing, then focus back on the road.
• Rubberneck for too long and you may end up causing an accident yourself.