Gapers block

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A gapers block (or gapers delay ) is a traffic jam caused when drivers slow to look at an accident or other incident on, or next to the road. This term is used mainly in the Chicago area. The term is used frequently in traffic reports given in local radio and television broadcasts and was coined by the famous flying "Officer Len", traffic officer Leonard Baldy who flew over Chicago in a police helicopter during the 1950s. See also rubbernecking.

Gapers Block is also the name of a Chicago-centric webzine.

A 'gapers block' is also known as a gawkers block.