rubbernecking

Definition

The act of slowing down whilst driving a vehicle, in order to see the scene of an accident.

Etymology

From rubber + neck + -ing.

Example Sentences

• ""The resulting wreckage blocks the entire southbound side of the Interstate, while the inevitable rubbernecking slows traffic on the northbound side to little more than the speed of a brisk walk.""
• "The children had never been in such a large museum and their rubbernecking was rather amusing."