409a; Presented
My Fifth Outline of Assigned
By Julie Gersh
Aggression Awareness
Road
Rage and Aggressive Driving: Steering Clear of Highway Warfare;
By Dr. Leon James and Dr. Diane Nahl, Prometheus Books, 2000. Pages 158-165.
Instructions for this activity are found at:
www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy23/409a-g23-oral.htm
Instructor: Dr. Leon James
Concept 1: Recognizing Aggression
Definition: The purpose of identifying one’s own aggression is particularly important in the lives of children. It is important to assist children understand violence.
Example: Hitting, throwing, refusing, yelling and cursing are all examples of outward aggression. This book calls for the reader to ask questions to identify whether he/she is aggressive and whether they can admit it if they are. Such questions are: Is it ok to tailgate? Is it ok to break rules of the road? What is the definition of a good driver? The list goes on, but it is both culturally and psychologically important to have the ability to recognize ones inner and outer aggression. Recognizing aggression, if followed by modifying the aggression will make for a better driver.
Opinion: I feel that recognizing aggression will reduce stress. It is important for one to recognize this because they could save their own life and even someone else’s life. The concept of observing your own driving is important here as well. If these two concepts are used concurrently – that is, recognizing and observing – the road has the potential to be a safer place.
Concept 2: Appropriate Passenger Behaviors
Definition: Children becoming aware of the appropriate
manners in which a passenger should behave are important. It fosters safety for
themselves, their driver, and others on the road.
Example: The Passenger Observation Form provides a specific example regarding
how a passenger can become more aware of their actions as a person along for
the ride.
Opinion: The term “back-seat driver” sticks out in my mind. I think that actions of the passenger need to maintain neutral. The driver may become fed up or annoyed if someone else is either acting in a certain manner or speaking in a certain way that the driver sees as negative.
Concept 3: Drivers Behaving Badly (DBB)
Definition: The act of viewing negative driving behaving through the media. This is especially prevalent in children as they are some of the largest populations to watch such media.
Example: TV shows, movies, video games, etc. Having a child keep a DBB diary or log and discussing these DBB events at home and in school are examples of possible ways in which communities can assist children to identify these actions.
Opionion: Because children are so easily susceptible to persuasion, it is important that we discuss DBB with our children and friends. They should be aware that there are consequences for DBB and that the majority of people may not receive such consequences every time they are driving badly in a car but the more often they are behaving this way, the chances increase that the person will be injured or in a car accident.
Helpful links:
http://www.drdriving.org/articles/dbb.htm
http://satransport.moby302.co.za/Trucks/NO-ZONE/RoadRageTest.html - Road Rage Self Test
http://www.tsf-bcaa.com/content/documents/Mature_Drivers_Self_Assessment.pdf - BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation: Driver’s Performance Assessment
My Homepage: www.soc.hawaii.edu/leon/409af2005/gersh/home.htm
Class Homepage: www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy23/classhome-g23.htm