What is the effect of "rubbernecking" by motorists at the scene of a traffic incident?

Rubbernecking refers to the act of drivers slowing down and turning their heads to look at an accident scene, often causing distractions and delays. This behavior can lead to additional incidents, as motorists who are focused on the spectacle of a crash may not pay attention to the road, resulting in rear-end collisions or other accidents. Furthermore, the slowdown in traffic caused by people looking at the scene can lead to congestion, which exacerbates the situation for emergency responders trying to reach the scene.

In contrast, other options do not have a basis in the realities of road safety. While it may seem that looking at an incident could be helpful or reduce distractions, in practice, rubbernecking generally complicates the scene and poses risks to both the onlookers and the responders.