| RavenBlog |
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| Comments on Monday 16 September 2002: |
| Before I came to America, I had not encountered the term rubbernecking (speaking of He-man, as I was in that mouseover - here's his livejournal). Rubbernecking is a term commonly used in America for "causing two miles of backed-up traffic by slowing down to look at an accident that isn't even on your side of the road". I don't recall this sort of insanity happening in England, but then, I didn't drive - does it happen? Damask suggests the reason for this is that Americans are brought up to be spectators, to watch, not to do. Seems about right.
[04:47] |
| KJB |
| Rubbernecking is one of the reasons I hate people. |
| Penny Chew |
| Also known as 'giraffing' |
| nik |
| It certainly does happen in the UK. It does, as might be expected, result in me threatening death on everyone in the vicinity of me, whether guilty or not. |
| Jennie |
| Ooh, another British expat? I like your quizzes, by the way. |
| Tom |
| Does Damask's comment covertly imply that the English are brought up to do, not to watch? This would explain such things as 'Oooh, our Dad. There's a smash up there ain't it.' 'Right you are lass. Can get boot in. Space for us up back of truck.' And possibly the success of Neighbours. I'm Australian and so allowed to say such things - the British rounded us up and shot us long ago. |
| Kevan |
| Did you slow down for your entertainingly spread-out corpse last year? |
| RavenBlack |
| Doesn't count - it was in the same lane of the same side of the road. |
| Kevan |
| Which is only five points in the I-Spy Book of Road Accidents. |
| PioneerDJ |
| Rubbernecking sucks, and happens in England ALL THE TIME!! Worst one I have personally experienced, was a 15 mile tailback on the accident side of the road with an 8 or 9 mile tailback caused by the rubberneckers. |