rubber necking
present participle of rubber-necking
/ˈrʌbərˌnɛkɪŋ/
noun
- The act of turning one's head to stare at something, especially an accident or other unusual sight, often while driving and causing traffic slowdowns.
- Police asked drivers to avoid rubber-necking so emergency vehicles could get through.
- Rubber-necking is dangerous because it takes your eyes off the road ahead.
- The highway was backed up for miles because of rubber-necking at a minor fender bender.
verb
- To turn one's head and stare at something, especially an accident or unusual scene, often while driving.
- Everyone on the bus started rubber-necking when they saw a giraffe standing by the highway.
- Please don't rubber-neck at the construction site; keep your eyes on the road.
- Tourists rubber-neck at the famous Hollywood sign as they drive by.