A recent road traffic collision has sparked a safety reminder for drivers to stop “rubbernecking”, after several passing motorists paid more attention to the crash scene than to the road ahead of them.
In a plea on social media, St Helier Honorary Police acknowledged that “people may be curious” when passing a crash, but warned that some drivers had come close to causing “further incidents” by looking instead of focusing on their driving.
Motorists who fail to pay proper attention to the road may be reported to Parish Hall for driving without due care and attention
St Helier Honorary Police
“While officers were assisting with traffic management, we observed several motorists paying more attention to the road traffic collision scene than to the road ahead,” the volunteer force stated.
It noted that, as a result, some passersby were driving too slowly for the conditions, failing to notice traffic lights changing, missing green lights, stopping unnecessarily and “coming close to causing further incidents”.
The warning continued: “We understand that people may be curious when passing a road traffic collision, but ‘rubbernecking’ is dangerous and puts other road users, pedestrians, emergency services, and officers at risk.
“Motorists who fail to pay proper attention to the road may be reported to Parish Hall for driving without due care and attention.”
The St Helier Honorary Police reminded drivers to keep their eyes on the road, follow the directions of officers, drive safely and not to “become distracted by an incident scene”.
“Help us keep everyone safe,” the force added. “One collision is bad enough without another being caused by avoidable distraction.”
