What term describes the act of slowing down to look at a crash scene?

The term that best describes the act of slowing down to look at a crash scene is "rubbernecking." This behavior occurs when drivers become distracted by an incident on the side of the road, usually leading them to slow their vehicles in order to get a better view. Rubbernecking can cause additional traffic congestion, as well as increase the risk of accidents, as drivers may not be fully attentive to the road ahead.

While "gawking" might seem similar, it doesn't carry the specific connotation of traffic scenarios and focuses more on looking with curiosity or amazement, often with a lack of regard for the implications on road safety. Other choices, such as "attention diversion" and "traffic observation," do not accurately encapsulate the specific behavior of drivers who slow down due to nearby accidents.