Is Rubbernecking an American phenomenon?

by Milos Topic on May 5, 2009

I’ve been puzzled by this phenomenon I encountered in the U.S. for years, but this morning’s drive was abnormally challenging. This occurrence, called Rubbernecking is a frustrating experience every time it happens and unfortunately, unlike most things, it doesn’t get easier with time.

I don’t remember seeing this in any of the other countries I’ve visited, it seems to either be exclusive to America or simply more prevalent here. In any event, I don’t get it nor will I ever understand this urge to enjoy in other people’s misery and get into their business. Common sense and logic dictate that if you see someone injured or in need of assistance you should stop and help or if you decide not to do so keep driving.

Why do people slow down to a crawl just to see a car crash or someone pulled over by cops? What do they get out of it?

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Tagged as: accident, American, car, challenging, cops, crash, driving, frustrated, People, phenomenon, road, Rubbernecking, Stupidity, time

  • http://bitphonic.com Adam

    Americans have a morbid fascination for death and destruction. Thus all the violent movies and television programs. A car wreck gives us the opportunity to experience such schadenfreude first hand. Of COURSE we slow down.

  • Milos Topic

    I see that, but still don’t get the urge to cause even more problems during this useless gawking process. Most people are simply mesmerized by others’ misfortunes that it makes me wonder what are they on.

  • http://cleverlittlepod.com Gary

    It happens here in the UK too. Although our roads are so jammed most of the time, I doubt you would notice the difference…

  • Milos Topic

    Gary,

    things get pretty crowded here in the NYC area as well, but it’s good to see that we are not the only ones suffering from this syndrome.

  • http://www.propertyconnect.ca/ Krista Browning

    Rubbernecking wouldn’t be any different if there was a giant inflatable chicken on the side of the road or a car crash.

    It’s human nature to be curious and has nothing to do with geography.

  • Milos Topic

    Krista,

    while I understand human curiosity, I don’t get this level of obsession with others’ misery as a form of personal “enjoyment” and “entertainment”. No one seems to want to stop and help, but yet again they all need to slow down to a crawl to take a peek.

    By the way, thank you for your comment. I appreciate your opinion.

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