Rubbernecking is a dangerous form of distracted driving that can cause rear-end collisions, pile-up accidents, and pedestrian injuries. Rubbernecking: A Dangerous Distraction Rubbernecking is a commonly used term for a type of distracted driving. It occurs when a motor vehicle driver focuses on something that's happening outside of their vehicle, rather than focusing on the road. Common rubbernecking distractions include roadside accidents, disabled vehicles, pedestrian accidents, police activity, fires,