If you came upon the scene of a terrible highway accident just after the ambulances arrived, would you stop to watch? Assume that your presence would neither help nor hinder the rescuers.
Absolutely not. Because that is exactly why there are 10-mile backups on the highway every time there’s even the smallest of accidents. Everyone has to slow down and take a look.
I’m sorry… but it’s none of your business what kind of accident happened. You are not a first responder dealing with the aftermath. Hit the gas and move on! While you’re at it, count your blessings that you were not involved in the accident. Pay attention to what you’re doing instead of what the police and/or victims are doing and you could very likely avoid being the cause of a second accident.
Ugh… can you tell this is a pet peeve of mine?
But what would you do? Are you typically a rubbernecker? I wasn’t trying to intentionally insult anyone who is. So, if you are, let me know in the comments what it is you’re desperate to see. I genuinely want to understand.
*The Question of the Week can be found in The Book of Questions by Gregory Stock, Ph.D.
Feature Photo by Lucian Alexe on Unsplash
The Confusing Middle 
As much as I too dislike the miles of backed up traffic, I happen to live in a close community and I’m a socializer who tends to know a lot of people, I usually slow down, not only for the first responders safety and my curiosity but also in case I recognize the vehicle and/or victims. But once I know I don’t know anyone… Pedal to the metal
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Thanks for clearing that up. That actually makes a lot of sense. I wish I could say it would help me to be more patient when I inevitably find myself back in this situation… I don’t know, maybe I’ll surprise myself.
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NO! Unless I witnessed the actual accident in which case I would pull over if most others didn’t. Yes, it’s fine to glance at the cars involved and see if you know them; but if the ambulance has arrived, it’s out of my control, anyway.
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I would never stop if I’m driving but I am always interested in what is going on lol! If I’m with someone I’ll have them check out what’s happened (like why are the emergency vehicles there?! I gots ta know!) but I won’t look and be unfocused while driving.
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