Distracted drivers who are rubbernecking have an elevated risk of causing an accident as a result of the inconsistent driving patterns that occur from this activity. When traffic speed slows down, the distance between cars is often shortened. This, combined with other drivers being less attentive while rubbernecking, can easily result in a rear end collision. Additionally, individuals who rubberneck may inadvertently swerve into adjacent lanes of traffic, causing significant danger to other drivers and passengers, in addition to emergency responders at the scenes of these accidents. The situation is even more dangerous if the adjacent lane into which the driver swerves has oncoming traffic. Distracted drivers can easily miss directions from traffic officers and even fail to see traffic signals at accident scenes. Drivers who are rubbernecking or otherwise distracted may be given traffic tickets or fines for these failures. If the driver causes injury or damage to persons or property as a result of distracted driving, he or she may be held liable for paying those damages due to negligence.