Which activity is most likely a contributing factor to increased traffic crashes?

Rubbernecking is a common behavior where drivers slow down to look at an accident or incident on the side of the road, often leading to additional crashes. This activity distracts drivers from the road and can cause them to lose focus on their own driving, leading to sudden braking or swerving, which significantly increases the risk of accidents.

While all the other activities listed can contribute to increased traffic crashes, rubbernecking stands out because it not only affects the driver engaged in the behavior but can also create a ripple effect among other vehicles on the road. When a driver slows down too much or becomes engrossed in observing an incident, it often results in a chain reaction that can end in collisions, especially in high-traffic areas.

In contrast, speeding, night driving, and driving with headlights off can also increase accident rates, but they typically relate more to the individual's control of their vehicle or visibility conditions rather than immediate distractions caused by external events. Rubbernecking specifically highlights the impact of distraction on the surrounding drivers, making it a clear contributing factor to increased traffic crashes.