The quote expresses the human fascination with tragedy and horror, likening it to the way people slow down to observe the aftermath of an accident. It suggests that there is an innate curiosity in us that compels us to confront the grim realities of life, even when it makes us uncomfortable. This duality reflects a deeper psychological intrigue with the darker aspects of existence.

In "The Storyteller" by Jodi Picoult, this idea is central to understanding why people find themselves drawn to difficult subjects. The emotional pull of witnessing suffering—whether through stories or real events—serves as a reminder of our shared humanity, encapsulating the complex relationship between attraction and repulsion in the face of horror.